Following a weekend closure due to attacks from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the “Kerem Shalom” Border Crossing between Southern Israel and Gaza has been reopened this morning for the passage of humanitarian aid trucks. Over 10 rockets were launched by PIJ near Rafah during the weekend, resulting in the deaths of four Israeli servicemembers. (Source: OSINTdefender Twitter post, May 8, 2024)
[Note: As of May 8, 2024, additional sources indicate that the crossing has come under further rocket attacks since its reopening.]
In response to the recent violence, the Israeli military has reportedly seized control of Rafah’s border crossing with Egypt, a move that some suggest may hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid and further limit operations in the region. The Israeli military spokesperson has claimed that the operation aims to eliminate Hamas fighters and infrastructure used in attacks against Israeli forces. (Sources: Jerusalem Post, Washington Examiner, AP News, OSINTdefender Twitter posts, May 8, 2024)
Meanwhile, aid organizations have warned that the closure of the Rafah crossing and nearby Kerem Shalom crossing has left aid trucks stranded, with no workers in Gaza able to reach the facilities due to ongoing hostilities. Without fuel for their vehicles and generators, aid operations and hospitals around Gaza are expected to shut down within a matter of days. (Source: AP News, May 8, 2024)
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the situation remains volatile and fluid, with reports of further rocket attacks targeting the Kerem Shalom crossing emerging throughout the day. (Source: OSINTdefender Twitter posts, May 8, 2024)
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