Rafah: A Battleground and Buffer Zone
Rafah, Gaza City -
The southernmost point of exit from Gaza, bordering Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Rafah has been a site of conflict and tension for decades.
Tents destroyed by an Israeli strike west of Rafah this week serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence in the region. The Israeli military has seized control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, further isolating the Palestinian enclave.
The Rafah crossing is a critical lifeline for Gazans, providing access to medical care, education, and other essential services. Its closure has had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Palestinians.
In May 2021, Israel launched a deadly raid in Rafah to rescue two hostages, killing nearly 70 Palestinians in the process. The incident sparked international outrage and further escalated the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.
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