Rafah, Israeli troops advance and tanks surround the eastern part of the city –

Israeli troops advanced along the main road that bisects the city of Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip. The eastern part has been completely surrounded by Israeli tanks which are now waiting for new orders on whether and how to advance. The Israeli security cabinet voted to approve the expansion of military operations in the city on the border with Egypt, but two sources who spoke to Axios specify that the expansion will be limited so as not to unsettle the United States which has repeatedly they say they are against military action in Rafah. Even the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, reiterated his firm opposition: “A massive ground attack on Rafah would lead to an epic humanitarian disaster.” Palestinian civilians, who in these months of war have gathered en masse in the city following the instructions of the Israeli army itself, are now on the run, fearing an imminent assault. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimates that around 110,000 people have already left.

Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly voted by a large majority to recognize Palestine as a full member state and recommended that the Security Council reconsider the issue. There were 143 votes in favor, nine against, including the United States and Israel, and 25 abstentions, including Italy. Tel Aviv’s reaction was immediate. “The decision to improve the status of Palestinians in the United Nations is a reward for Hamas terrorists,” was the accusation made by Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the passage of the resolution shows that the world is for the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people and against the Israeli occupation. In terms of negotiations, Hamas has made it known that it is reviewing its strategy following Israel’s rejection of its counter-proposal. Egypt, one of the main mediators, has asked the parties for flexibility if they want to reach a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. In East Jerusalem, meanwhile, UNRWA decided to close its headquarters after what happened on Thursday evening, when a group of Israelis set fire twice around the building. According to the Commissioner General of the UN agency, Philippe Lazzarini, the fire “caused extensive damage to the external areas”. “The targeting of aid workers and humanitarian resources is unacceptable and must be stopped,” commented Guterres.