‘Israeli reaction goes beyond the right to self-defense, amounts to collective punishment,’ said Egypt’s al-Sisi.
Meanwhile,
The UK has not yet succeeded in securing the opening of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt to aid the evacuation of British nationals from Gaza, according to the foreign secretary. British citizens have been advised to prepare to use the south Gaza crossing, which is currently the only available exit. The control over passage through this crossing is shared among Hamas, Egypt, and Israel.
James Cleverly stated that he is collaborating with Israel, Egypt, and other regional political leaders to facilitate the opening of this crossing. He emphasized the critical importance of the crossing for evacuating British nationals and providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
The US government is also working to open the Rafah crossing to enable Palestinian-Americans to leave, with efforts involving Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. US citizens have been advised to head towards Rafah in case the crossing becomes operational, although there might be limited notice.
The recent cutoff of essential supplies to Gaza has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis, prompting the call for British nationals to relocate as directed by the Israeli government and be on standby if the crossing becomes accessible.
Israel’s history is marked by complex relations, including both conflicts and diplomatic endeavors. Established in 1948, Israel’s formation led to tensions with neighboring Arab states, resulting in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Subsequent wars like the 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War further shaped regional dynamics.
Peace treaties like the 1979 Camp David Accords with Egypt and the 1994 Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty have brought stability. However, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ongoing since Israel’s founding, remains a significant challenge. Efforts for peace, including the Oslo Accords and the two-state solution, have faced obstacles.
