Israel’s Rafah deadline raises stakes as Ramadan approaches

Israel has set a deadline for the closure of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, raising tensions in the region as Ramadan approaches. The deadline, reportedly set for the end of the month, has sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents rely on the crossing for vital supplies.

The closure of the Rafah crossing would effectively cut off Gaza from the outside world, restricting the flow of goods and people in and out of the territory. This move comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, following a recent spike in violence along the border.

The Rafah crossing is one of the few points of entry and exit for Gaza’s two million residents, who have already been suffering from a decade-long blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. With Ramadan fast approaching, the closure of the crossing would further exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the territory.

The international community has called on Israel to reconsider its decision to close the crossing, warning of the potential for a further escalation in the conflict. As the deadline looms, tensions are running high in Gaza, with fears that any disruption to the flow of supplies could lead to a full-blown humanitarian crisis.