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Following a lethal surprise attack by Hamas, Israel has called up a record 360,000 reservists. The Israeli army reports that it has already entered Gaza to escalate the battle with the terrorist group, possibly to retrieve hostages. A larger operation in the Palestinian strip is expected soon.

Uncertainty Over Opening of Gaza-Egypt Border

The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt remains closed until further notice. Earlier in the day, Egyptian officials reported that the border crossing would be opened for a few hours, allowing Palestinians with dual nationality and other foreigners to leave the region. However, Israeli sources denied this, and four hours after the proposed opening time, there was still no movement.

Ongoing Negotiations

Discussions may still be ongoing between Israel and Egypt regarding mutual conditions for opening the border post. The involvement of Hamas in these negotiations is also a factor, as the British Defense Secretary James Heappy pointed out. “They [Hamas] also have an influence on this issue, and they are notoriously unreliable,” he said. Martin Griffiths, director of the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), also reported that negotiations are in progress between Israel, Egypt, and “other partners.”

Egypt’s Stance on Border Opening

The Egyptian Foreign Minister said that Israel’s attitude is preventing the opening of the border crossing with the Gaza Strip. Minister Sameh Shoukry, during a joint press conference with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, stated that his country would like to let through aid goods. According to the minister, trucks with food and medicine are already waiting on the Egyptian side of the border, near the city of El Arish.

International Concerns

International concerns are growing over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. This densely populated coastal area is effectively cut off from the outside world. Israel is carrying out airstrikes and preparing for a ground offensive against Hamas. Colonna said that her country is discussing with Israel about allowing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Arab League Calls for End to “Military Operation”

The Arab League has demanded an “immediate end to the military operation” in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the organization of Arab countries is advocating for the establishment of “humanitarian corridors”. The Arab world is divided over the conflict between Islamic Hamas and Israel.