Israel Kills Two Palestinians in Gaza Amid Calls for Rafah Crossing Opening

Intense Attacks in Southern Gaza

Israel has launched intense artillery and helicopter attacks on southern Gaza, despite a United States-mediated ceasefire, bombing a tent that housed displaced Palestinians and killing a five-year-old girl and her uncle, according to officials. These Monday killings have brought the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces to at least 422 since the ceasefire began in October, according to health authorities in Gaza.

Impact of Attacks

The Nasser Medical Complex in southern Khan Younis reported that the lethal Israeli attack hit a tent in the coastal area of al-Mawasi, injuring four other individuals, including children. The Israeli army stated that it targeted a Hamas fighter who was allegedly planning to attack Israeli forces “in the immediate timeframe.” However, the military did not provide evidence for this claim, and it was unclear whether its statement referred to the attack on the tent.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued near-daily attacks on Gaza and have maintained restrictions on humanitarian aid entry. According to Palestinian officials, the majority of the enclave has been devastated by what they term as Israel's genocidal war, with approximately 88% of buildings either damaged or destroyed. The two million residents of Gaza are now living in tents, makeshift shelters, or damaged buildings in areas abandoned by Israeli troops.

Hope for Rafah Crossing Opening

Humanitarian organizations assert that restrictions imposed by Israel continue to hinder aid deliveries, while the Rafah crossing to Egypt remains closed. This crossing was Gaza's only link to the outside world until the Israeli army occupied the Palestinian side in May 2024. A report from Israeli television Kan indicated that Israeli authorities are preparing to open the crossing in “both directions,” following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. If confirmed, this would represent a shift from Israel's previous policy, which stipulated that the crossing would be opened “exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.” This policy has been condemned by regional governments, including Egypt and Qatar.

What Brings Hope

The current situation has left many Palestinians filled with hope. Tasnim Jaras, a student from Gaza City, stated that it was her “dream” to have the crossing open to continue her education. Moaeen al-Jarousha, injured in the war, mentioned that he needs to leave Gaza for medical treatment abroad. “I need immediate medical intervention. I live in very difficult conditions,” he said. There is a long-standing expectation for the crossing to open, with many Gaza residents viewing it not as a travel opportunity, but as a matter of survival. While Israel maintains control over 53% of Gaza, witnesses have reported the ongoing demolition of residential homes in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City.