Israel’s Slow-Walk In Rafah Opens Door to Full-On Offensive
- Israel, Egypt trade accusations over who is blocking Gaza aid
- Thousands of civilians have left Rafah to escape fighting
Israeli army soldiers huddle in southern Israel on May 9.
Photographer: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Israel’s gradual deployment of troops into Rafah appears to be the start of a full-blown invasion of the southern Gazan city, and the threat to civilians and blocking of aid have increased tensions with both the European Union and Egypt.
Israeli tanks and infantry are making their way neighborhood by neighborhood through the eastern part of Rafah, with the aim of eliminating the remaining Hamas battalions while seeking out leaders and hostages. The military gave advance warning to the more than 1 million Palestinians in the city, and hundreds of thousands have fled.