Israeli tanks take control of Gaza side of Rafah crossing

Jerusalem: An Israeli tank brigade has taken control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, officials said, proceeding with an offensive on the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remain on edge. of the knife.

The Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing on Tuesday afternoon (AEST), the Israeli military said, taking “operational control” of the crucial crossing. It is the main route for aid entry into the besieged enclave and exit for those who may flee to Egypt. Israel has fully controlled all access in and out of Gaza since the war began.

Footage released by the Israeli military showed a tank entering the crossing. The details of the video matched the known characteristics of the crossing and showed Israeli flags flying from the tanks that took over the area.

The Israeli military claimed that it seized the crossing after receiving information that it was “being used for terrorist purposes.” The military did not immediately provide evidence to support the claim, although it alleged that the area around the crossing had been used to launch a mortar attack that killed four Israeli soldiers and wounded others near the Kerem Shalom crossing.