Foreign
From threats to action: Israel’s surprising move on the Rafah crossing
Not the huge incursion we imagined, Rafah is nonetheless significant; Israel’s threat to take over Rafah is real, even if it will be done slowly and in parts.
“The world must know, and Hamas leaders must know – If by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue everywhere, including the Rafah area,” National Unity Party minister Benny Gantz said.
Here’s the kicker: Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, spoke those words on February 18, about three weeks before the start of Ramadan.
Since that time there has been non-stop speculation about when, if, and how a Rafah incursion would take place – except it never did.
Hamas’ final stronghold
Until Tuesday morning, exactly seven months after the war began and a day after the IDF urged residents on the eastern side of Rafah to evacuate, troops moved in and quickly took over the Rafah crossing.
Gantz’s threat to go into Rafah was the first of dozens voiced by senior Israeli officials, foremost among them Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who issued menacing ultimatums over and over. The defeat of Hamas would not be complete, they said, if the IDF did not dismantle the three or four Hamas battalions left standing there, which had become Hamas’ final stronghold.
Each threat, however, would be met by stern warnings from the international community, led by the US, against such a move, at least until a feasible way could be found to move the civilian population – estimated at some 1.5 million people, the vast majority who were evacuated there from the northern and central parts of Gaza after the war began – out of harm’s way.
As time passed, it is now some 13 weeks since Gantz first issued his stern warning, Israel’s threats sounded increasingly hollow – and it is not good for the country’s deterrence posture if words are not followed up by action.
When Netanyahu reiterated the threat of a Rafah incursion again last week, telling a group of families of hostages and slain soldiers that Israel will go into Rafah to eliminate Hamas and achieve “total victory,” those who rolled their eyes as if to say “here we go again” could have been forgiven for their skepticism.
Yet early Tuesday morning the IDF delivered on the threats, though not in a way most expected.
First, it was not a massive incursion like those seen in the early stages of the war when the IDF moved into Gaza City or Khan Yunis. Rather, this was a limited, pinpointed action – one that proceeded with no IDF casualties and, according to the IDF, some 20 Hamas terrorists killed. The limited action indicates that Netanyahu is taking US President Joe Biden’s warnings against moving on the city seriously. According to various reports, the US last week – for the first time since the war began – withheld arms deliveries to Israel.
Secondly, the IDF’s warning to residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate created the impression that any IDF action would take place there. A quick action to take over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, the sole crossing in and out of Gaza not in Israeli control, took some by surprise.
The move raises two questions: why now and does it matter?
Regarding the timing, two things prompted the move at this time. The first was Hamas’s apparent rejection over the weekend of the hostage deal that was on the table, a deal that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken only last week termed an “extraordinarily generous” offer by Israel.
Hamas’s failure to grasp that deal showed that the terrorist organization felt it was in the driver’s seat, that it could dictate terms. And this was not an irrational conclusion.
The IDF pressure on the organization had lessened significantly; Israel was coming under intense pressure from the international community to both not go into Rafah and to stop the war; and Netanyahu was facing noisy protests at home urging him to make a deal for the hostages at almost any price.
What was the rush, Hamas leaders reasonably concluded. Rather than take the deal, Hamas demonstrated an interest in dragging the negotiations out longer, likely reasoning that international and domestic pressure on Netanyahu would only increase and eventually he would fold.
Hamas’s rejection of this deal – one that included terms Israel had rejected earlier – showed that Israel had lost leverage and needed to regain the upper hand and apply pressure on Hamas head Yahya Sinwar. An incursion into Rafah would, according to this reasoning, do just that.
Apparently, this worked, because on Monday, just hours after the IDF instructed some 110,000 residents in eastern Rafah to evacuate the area, Hamas issued a statement saying that they accepted the deal.
Forget for a moment that the deal they accepted was not the one that Israel agreed upon, but the timing of their announcement made clear that they were paying attention to what the IDF was saying – this time via the notices to evacuate.
The second reason the move on Rafah began now had to do with the deadly mortar attack on Kerem Shalom that killed four soldiers and wounded 10 other Israelis on Sunday.
This attack, which came from Rafah, showed that Hamas remained a deadly threat there, and that if the Hamas battalions there were not dismantled, they would continue to fire on soldiers and communities in the western Negev.
If Israel wants people evacuated from those communities to move back into their homes, it cannot countenance these types of attacks. Furthermore, the nature of the attack – the number of mortars fired accurately – indicated not a spontaneous attack by isolated terrorists, but rather a coordinated attack by a unit working in an organized manner. That, too, is something that – post-October 7 – Israel can no longer tolerate.
As to whether taking over the Rafah crossing and raising the Israeli flag there matters, it does. It matters because this is one of the main symbols of Hamas’s civilian control of Gaza. Up until now, Israel has concentrated on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, overlooking the fact that the organization still asserts civilian control over the Strip and its residents.
From the Rafah crossing, Hamas was able to control what comes in and who goes out of Gaza. Anyone leaving Gaza for Egypt needs to go through the crossing, with Hamas reportedly extorting enormous sums from wealthy Gazans looking for a way out.
In addition, that crossing – over the years – has been the way both weapons and dual-purpose materials have been smuggled into Gaza. While Egypt has stopped some of the subterranean smuggling, Hamas has smuggled much of the weaponry that has come into the Strip by simply bribing Egyptian officials at the crossing.
The Israeli commander who yelled into his radio Tuesday morning after the IDF consolidated control over the area that “the Rafah crossing is in our hands” – echoing Motta Gur’s iconic cry after Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six Day War that “the Temple Mount is in our hands” – may have exaggerated the importance of this particular military action. Nonetheless, it is not without significance, especially as it signifies that Israel’s threat to take over Rafah is real, even if it will be done piecemeal and over an extended period of time.
Hamas’s response in the coming days to the hostage deal that Israel agreed to – not the one that Hamas tried to alter – will indicate whether its leaders are paying attention
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Home to approximately 25 million people, the nation operates under a tightly controlled regime led by the Kim dynasty, where every aspect of life is influenced by the state. From peculiar propaganda stories to extraordinary military policies, North Korea often seems like a nation frozen in time, steeped in strict traditions, unique cultural practices, and an ironclad political ideology.
The global fascination with North Korea lies in its stark contrasts—an ancient Confucian culture juxtaposed with modern autocratic rule, a heavily militarized state, and a controlled economy. While much of its internal workings remain a mystery, certain facts about this nation defy logic and invite curiosity. From surreal laws to bizarre daily life experiences, North Korea offers a glimpse into a world that is completely unlike any other.
In this article, we explore some of the strangest and most intriguing realities of life inside this “hermit kingdom,” shedding light on a country that continues to captivate global attention.
1. Compulsory Loyalty Education
From childhood, North Korean students are taught an unwavering reverence for the ruling Kim dynasty. Their curriculum features propaganda-heavy materials, glorifying their leaders and emphasizing loyalty above all else. This contrasts starkly with global education systems, where diverse perspectives are encouraged.
2. Exclusive Tourism Policies
Tourists visiting North Korea must follow strict itineraries set by the state and are accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times. Photography is regulated, and visitors can only see a curated version of the country. Independent exploration is strictly forbidden, ensuring that the regime’s image remains controlled.
3. The “Single” State-Approved Haircuts
Rumors have circulated that North Korea offers a list of state-approved hairstyles for citizens, with women often required to choose styles reflecting their marital status. While some of these claims may be exaggerated, personal expression in fashion and appearance is minimal.
4. Technology Under Surveillance
North Koreans have access to only a government-controlled intranet, and mobile devices function primarily for calls within the country. Internet access is reserved for elites. Imported smartphones are modified to block external content, ensuring total control over digital communication.
5. The World’s Largest Stadium
North Korea boasts the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, the largest stadium globally, seating up to 150,000 spectators. This facility hosts mass gymnastics and propaganda events, showcasing the regime’s power and unity.
6. Unique Calendar System
North Korea follows the Juche calendar, starting in 1912, the birth year of Kim Il-sung. This makes 2024 the year 113 in North Korea. This calendar is used exclusively within the country, separating it from the rest of the world.
7. Military Dominance in Daily Life
Approximately 4.7% of the population serves in the military, one of the highest ratios worldwide. Military parades and events play a crucial role in showcasing strength and maintaining public loyalty.
8. The Arduous March and Its Legacy
The 1990s famine, known as the « Arduous March, » left an indelible mark on North Korea. Despite improved conditions in recent years, food scarcity remains a pressing issue. Citizens rely on government-controlled distribution systems, with many turning to informal markets.
9. Elite-Only Cities
Pyongyang, the capital, is home to North Korea’s elite. Ordinary citizens need government approval to live or even visit the city. This segregation highlights the stark divide between the privileged and the working class.
10. State-Orchestrated Celebrations
National events, such as the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung’s birthday), are marked with grand displays of patriotism, including parades, performances, and fireworks. Participation is mandatory, demonstrating collective loyalty.
11. The Propaganda Machine
From elaborate murals to operatic performances, North Korea uses art as a medium for political propaganda. Movies and plays glorify the Kim dynasty and depict the West as adversaries.
12. Iconic Architectural Oddities
The Ryugyong Hotel, an unfinished pyramid-shaped skyscraper in Pyongyang, is an architectural curiosity. While incomplete for decades, it symbolizes the country’s ambitious, albeit unfulfilled, aspirations.
13. Restricted International Interactions
Citizens cannot freely interact with foreigners. This isolation fosters a controlled worldview and limits cultural exchange. Keywords like “controlled diplomacy” or “restricted international access” resonate here.
14. Unique Fashion Codes
Clothing choices often reflect social status and conformity. Bright colors or Western-style outfits are rarely seen, as citizens adhere to the regime’s preferred aesthetic.
15. Strict Border Controls
Defection is dangerous, with severe penalties for those caught attempting to flee. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea remains one of the most fortified borders globally.
The Egyptian vision for Gaza, which is due to be presented at an Arab League summit on Tuesday, does not specify whether the proposal would be implemented before or after any permanent peace deal.
A plan for Gaza drawn up by Egypt as a counter to US President Donald Trump’s ambition for a Middle East Riviera would sideline Hamas and replace it with interim bodies controlled by Arab, Muslim, and Western states, according to a draft seen by Reuters.
The Egyptian vision for Gaza, which is due to be presented at an Arab League summit on Tuesday, does not specify whether the proposal would be implemented before or after any permanent peace deal to end the war triggered by the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Trump’s plan, which envisioned clearing Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants, appeared to back away from long-standing US Middle East policy focused on a two-state solution and sparked anger among Palestinians and Arab nations.
Who will run Gaza after the conflict remains the great unanswered question in negotiations over the future of the enclave. Hamas has so far rejected the idea of any proposal being imposed on Palestinians by other states.
Cairo’s plan does not tackle critical issues such as who will foot the bill for Gaza’s reconstruction or outline any specific details around how Gaza would be governed, nor how an armed group as powerful as Hamas would be pushed aside.
The flags of Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel (illustrative) (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Under the Egyptian plan, a Governance Assistance Mission would replace the Hamas-run government in Gaza for an unspecified interim period and would be responsible for humanitarian aid and for kick-starting reconstruction of the enclave, which has been devastated by the war.
“There will be no major international funding for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza if Hamas remains the dominant and armed political element on the ground controlling local governance,” a preamble outlining the draft Egyptian plan’s objectives said.
Details of Egypt’s proposed framework for Gaza’s future have not been previously reported.
Egypt, Jordan and Gulf Arab states have for almost a month been scrambling to formulate a diplomatic offensive to counter Trump’s plan. A number of ideas have been proposed, with Egypt’s considered the frontrunner.
Reuters was unable to determine whether Arab leaders would support the plan presented by Egypt.
The plan does not specify who would run the governance mission. It said it would, “draw on the expertise of Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere to help Gaza recover as quickly as possible.”
The plan firmly rejects the US proposal for mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which Arab states such as Egypt and Jordan see as a security threat.
The draft proposal was shared with Reuters by an official involved in Gaza negotiations who wished to remain anonymous because the draft has not yet been made public.
Stabilization force
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the group knows of no such proposal by Egypt.
“The day after in Gaza must only be decided by the Palestinians,” he said. “Hamas rejects any attempt to impose projects or any form of non-Palestinian administration, or the presence of any foreign forces on the land of the Gaza Strip.”
The Egyptian draft does not mention future elections.
Egypt’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the office of Israel’s prime minister, whose support for any plan is seen as vital to secure a commitment that any future reconstruction will not be destroyed again.
Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has ruled the coastal enclave since 2007. It launched the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and started the Gaza war.
A January 19 ceasefire brought a temporary end to the fighting but the first phase of the deal expired on Saturday with no sign of an agreement to move to the second phase.
The Egyptian draft does not tackle the issue of what actions could be taken if Hamas refuses to disarm or step aside from politics.
The proposal envisions an International Stabilisation Force drawn primarily from Arab states that would take over the role of providing security from the terrorist organization, with the eventual establishment of a new local police force.
Both security and governance bodies would be “arranged, guided and supervised” by a steering board. The draft said the board would comprise key Arab countries, members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, Britain, the European Union and its member states, and others.
The plan does not detail a central governing role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which opinion polls show has little support among Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
A Palestinian official told Reuters that, like the West Bank, Gaza falls under the PA’s jurisdiction – and it must be run by Palestinians.
“We agreed with the Egyptians on a committee made of Palestinian experts that will help the Palestinian Authority in running the Gaza Strip for six months. The committee is made of Palestinian experts and coordinates with the PA, and doesn’t answer to non-Palestinian bodies,” said the official, who asked not to be named for sensitivity.
Egyptian and Israeli flags seen in a protest in Jerusalem, March 2, 2025 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Reconstruction bill
Since Hamas drove the Palestinian Authority out of Gaza after a brief civil war in 2007, it has crushed all opposition there. Supported by Iran, it built an extensive security apparatus and terrorist organization based around a vast network of tunnels – much of which Israel says it has now destroyed.
The plan does not say who would pay to rebuild Gaza, a bill estimated by the UN at more than $53 billion. Two sources have told Reuters that Gulf and Arab states would need to commit at least $20 billion in the initial phase of reconstruction.
Egypt’s proposal envisions that states on the steering board could establish a fund to support the interim governing body and arrange donor conferences to seek contributions for a longer-term reconstruction and development plan for Gaza.
The plan does not contain any specific financial pledges.
Oil- and gas-producing Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could be vital sources of funding from the region.
The United Arab Emirates, for instance, sees Hamas and other terrorist groups as an existential threat and is unlikely to offer any funding until Hamas has been sidelined.
The foreign ministries in Qatar and the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Egypt’s plan, or to questions about their willingness to commit funds to rebuild Gaza.
The draft plan also calls on the steering board to coordinate with a Civil Society Advisory Board, consisting of academics, NGO leaders and other notable figures.
Pope Francis was placed on a breathing machine on Friday after experiencing a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty, the Vatican has confirmed in its latest medical update.
The episode was complicated by vomiting, some of which he aspirated.
Medical staff addressed the aspiration issue before placing him on mechanical ventilation. Despite this, the Vatican stated that the pontiff “remained alert and oriented at all times.”
A spokesperson later clarified that he is not yet considered out of danger.
Francis was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago following persistent lung-related issues, including bronchitis and pneumonia. This marks his fourth and longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013.
The pontiff has faced lung-related health struggles for much of his life. As a young man, he had severe pneumonia, leading to the removal of part of one lung.
The Vatican has since been providing twice-daily updates on his condition. On Thursday, it reported that Francis’ health was “improving” but that his prognosis remained uncertain.
Due to his intensive medical treatment, his schedule has been cleared. Earlier on Friday, the Vatican announced that he would not lead next week’s Ash Wednesday service, marking the beginning of Lent. This will be only the second time in his 12-year papacy that he has missed the service, with a cardinal expected to lead in his place.
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