Topic: Rafah Crossing

Israel is seeking control of the Philadelphia Corridor, a strategic buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt, to destroy tunnels used for smuggling ammunition and missiles. Egypt has rejected this move, warning that an Israeli takeover of the Rafah crossing would deteriorate the humanitarian situation and lead to heavy fighting with Hamas.

Fighting resumes in Gaza after a ceasefire ends, with the IDF shifting focus to the southern city of Khan Yunis. The hosts question the reliability of death toll numbers provided by the "Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry" and discuss the flow of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing.

A small convoy of 20 trucks carrying food and medicine entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt. Rights groups described the aid as a "drop in the ocean" for the 2.3 million residents, noting that fuel remains barred by Israeli conditions.

NPR reports on the plight of approximately 500-600 American citizens trapped in Gaza as Israel prepares a ground incursion. The U.S. State Department is negotiating with Egypt and Israel to open the Rafah border crossing for evacuations. The hosts note the media's focus on American passports as a symbol of imperial protection.

International Women's Day events are reviewed, including a human symbol formation in the Philippines and a failed attempt by Code Pink activists to enter Gaza through Egypt. The activists were reportedly deported by Egyptian authorities at the Cairo airport.