UN urges Israel to reopen Rafah crossing

The UN Secretary-General called on Israel to immediately reopen crossings into Gaza after it seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing just hours before, APA reports citing The Telegraph.

Antonio Guterres urged Israel to “stop any escalation” and called the renewed military activity in Rafah disturbing and distressing.

The UN and aid organisations said that all land crossings into Gaza have been closed since Israel seized the crossing. The UN says just one day’s worth of fuel remains inside Gaza to power humanitarian assistance.

“The closure of both the Rafah and Karem Shalom crossings is especially damaging to an already dire humanitarian situation. They must be re-opened immediately,” Mr Guterres said.

“I urge the Government of Israel to stop any escalation, and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic talks.”

Shortly before Mr Guterres’ comments, a senior Israeli official briefed foreign media that today’s operation was just “the beginning” of the IDF’s mission to eliminate Hamas’ remaining battalions in Rafah.