Israeli tanks take Rafah border crossing, humanitarian aid halted

NOS News•today, 08:18•Amended today, 08:37

The Israeli army has taken over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing. According to an army statement, soldiers killed at least twenty Hamas members and destroyed tunnels in fighting.

Israel carried out heavy air strikes on Rafah last evening and night. At least twelve people were killed, according to Palestinian media. There are great international concerns about the more than a million citizens who have sought refuge in the southern city.

Humanitarian aid access through the Rafah border crossing has been halted, several sources confirmed to the Reuters news agency. This concerns the border post between the southern city in Gaza and Egypt. The border crossing at Kerem Shalom, which is essential for the access of emergency aid, will also remain closed for the time being. Hamas had attacked it with rockets the day before yesterday.

The Israeli army says it is operating “in several locations” in eastern Rafah.

Israel released these images of the tanks at the Rafah border crossing:

Israeli army shares images of capture of Rafah border post

Israel yesterday ordered citizens to leave the eastern part of the city. According to the army, most people have now left, but this information cannot be verified. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been threatening for weeks that Israel will invade the city to defeat Hamas.

In the background are the advanced talks about a ceasefire with Hamas. The militant movement yesterday agreed to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel has not yet.

It is not uncommon for warring parties to launch last-minute attacks on each other in this phase of negotiations in the hope of obtaining as many concessions as possible from the opposing side.