In this contentious arena, Israel seems to have declared a firm position: it refuses to cease fire. Egypt, on the other hand, has expressed strong opposition to the opening of the Rafah crossing. The refugees in Gaza now seem to be in a situation where there is no way back, as the Israeli fighting in southern Gaza intensifies, and it is unbelievable that it is no match for what has been seen in northern Gaza before.
Israel's eyes are focused on the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, where it identifies Hamas as a base. However, the Israeli army's military operations have left Khan Younis walking on thin ice, and his life is in jeopardy. Civilians in Gaza seek refuge in this area, only to find themselves in grave danger.
The Gaza Strip is considered the world's largest "open-air prison", where more than two million Palestinian civilians live. However, Netanyahu insisted on launching a military operation here, resulting in at least 270,000**. Israel clearly has no intention of withdrawing its troops, and it seems that the fighting in Gaza will not stop. In this context, the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza on the border with Egypt has become the last hope for the civilian population of Gaza, as it is the only border crossing that has established contact with the outside world and is not controlled by Israel.
Large numbers of Palestinian civilians gathered at the Rafah crossing in search of a safe haven. However, does this mean safety? The Israeli military operation in Gaza has been carried out almost without scrutiny. Hamas's Al-Aqsa flood may have been the trigger for the conflict, but Israeli atrocities extend far beyond the borders of retaliation.
The International Court of Justice has found Israel guilty and demanded that it take all measures to prevent "genocide". Netanyahu, however, seems to be dismissive of this, putting it out of the way. With the United States supporting Israel at the United Nations, Israel has even turned a deaf ear to the cries of the international community, leaving Gaza without a real safe place.
Egypt is also reluctant to allow Gaza refugees to cross the Rafah crossing. In recent years, nearly three-thirds of Egypt's population has lived below the poverty line, and it does not want an influx of Palestine refugees, increasing management costs and increasing unemployment. Even though half of the food aid provided by the United Nations is distributed here, Egypt has no intention of opening the Rafah crossing.
The entanglement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has left Palestinian civilians with resentment. Unless the two-State solution can be endorsed and implemented by the international community, the road to peace will remain difficult. Netanyahu, however, is clearly dismissive of the two-state solution. In the midst of this deep entanglement, it is uncertain whether a long-term ceasefire can be achieved between Palestine and Israel.
In this battleground of strife, the skies of Gaza seem to be forever covered with the smoke of war, while civilians have become innocent victims. Behind Israel's insistence on non-stop fire, the refugees in Gaza seem to be left with only the last pure land of the Rafah crossing. Yet, like a glimmer of light in the dark night, hope is slim and faint.
The Rafah crossing carries the expectations of countless Palestinians and serves as their last hope in search of safety. However, the reality is cruel and ruthless, and the Israeli army's military operations have made it impossible for this pure land to escape the ravages of war. In the face of all this, we can't help but ask, is there no more humane solution?
The fighting in Gaza is not just a territorial battle, but also a test of humanitarian concern. In a world where there are no innocent citizens or civilians, every life should be respected and protected. At this moment, we are seeing the crowding of civilians in Gaza at the Rafah crossing, their eyes full of helplessness and anticipation, looking forward to a future free of war and suffering.
Egypt's attitude is more complex, as it does not want to see an influx of Palestinian refugees but plays the role of mediator under pressure from the international community. This has made the Rafah port a place of contradictions between all sides, and the entanglement between Palestine and Israel involves countless innocent lives.
Perhaps in the middle of the night, we can find a glimmer of light in the endless darkness. However, the reality is often frustrating. With the joint efforts of the international community, perhaps one day, real peace between Palestine and Israel can be achieved, so that the skies of Gaza will no longer be covered in gunsmoke and every civilian will be able to live a peaceful life.
The glimmer of hope may be far away, but we cannot stop calling for and working hard. Let us all focus on Gaza, and let us work together for peace. Because only peace is the common aspiration and yearning of mankind.