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January 7, 2026

Qatar Accuses Israel of "Political Blackmail" for Refusing to Reopen Rafah Crossing
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In Gaza, Palestinian families said they felt optimistic amid mounting
reports, including by Al Jazeera, that the Rafah crossing with Egypt
could soon reopen, after more than two years of Israel's war and
blockade. Qatar has accused Israel of "political blackmail" for
hindering efforts to reopen the crossing and ensure the delivery of
urgent humanitarian aid for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The
reopening of the Rafah crossing was a condition of the first phase of
the U.S.-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas, which Israel has
repeatedly violated since it went into effect on October 10. Doctors
Without Borders announced Tuesday that Israel had ordered the aid group
to immediately cease all operations in Gaza, claiming they had failed to
comply with new restrictions, including sharing detailed information
about Palestinian and international staff, funding and operations.

In news from the occupied West Bank, at least 11 Palestinians were
injured after Israeli forces raided Birzeit University Tuesday, north of
Ramallah, reportedly firing live rounds, sound grenades and tear gas on
crowds.


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