The Israeli military has intensified its shelling of Rafah, a city on the Gaza border, leading to the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians. Israel claims to have gained "operational control" over the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-km strip along Gaza’s border with Egypt. This move comes despite an International Court of Justice order to cease attacks on Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians have taken refuge.
In the Israeli political sphere, splits are emerging in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet. Benny Gantz's National Unity party has proposed dissolving parliament over disagreements about a post-war plan for Gaza, highlighting internal strains. Gantz’s party threatened to leave the coalition if no agreement is reached by June 8, though Netanyahu’s Likud party maintains a majority without their support.
Internationally, Egypt has refrained from officially commenting on the Israeli takeover, while public anger simmers over recent incidents and border security issues. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has called for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza and reiterated opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The Israeli-Egyptian relationship is further strained following the deaths of two Egyptian soldiers at the Rafah crossing, which has sparked local anger.
Simultaneously, Slovenia has endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state, following similar moves by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, drawing condemnation from Israel.