The US has called for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, which serves as a major entry point for humanitarian aid and a gateway for critically ill and injured people to receive treatment abroad. The crossing was closed following the Israeli assault on Rafah, which the US described as “limited” in scope but said appeared to be the prelude to a larger offensive. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US continued to oppose a major military operation in Rafah but acknowledged that Israel had a “legitimate goal” in seizing the crossing to deprive Hamas of revenue. Israel has also closed the Karem Abu Salem border crossing, barring aid trucks.

UN Calls for Immediate Reopening of Gaza Crossings

The United Nations has called on Israel to reopen both the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem border crossings immediately. The appeal follows Israel’s seizure of the Rafah crossing and the closure of the Karem Abu Salem crossing following a rocket attack on Israeli troops by Hamas. The closures have further strained the already inadequate flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been intensified since October 9 when Israel tightened its blockade on the territory. The UN also expressed concern over the fate of the more than 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah and called for greater efforts to reach a ceasefire deal.

Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas has said it has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar that would see the release of Israeli captives in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as well as an eventual end to the war. Israel has rejected the deal but said it would engage in further negotiations. The US has been heavily involved in the talks and is trying “incredibly hard” to push a deal over the line, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. However, he denied that Hamas had actually accepted the agreement and said the group had responded with suggestions as part of the negotiation process.