Comment on Heavy fighting in Gaza’s Rafah keeps aid crossings closed, sends 100,000 civilians fleeing

By WAFAA SHURAFA and JOSEPH KRAUSS (Associated Press) RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants on the outskirts of the southern Gaza city of Rafah has left crucial nearby aid crossings inaccessible and caused over 100,000 people to flee north, a United Nations official said Friday. Israel’s plans for a full-scale invasion of Rafah appear to be on hold for now, with the United States deeply opposed and stepping up pressure by threatening to withhold arms.