In a statement, the Israeli army said that “during the night from Monday to Tuesday, ground troops of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began an anti-terrorist operation” east of Rafah.
In order to “eliminate Hamas terrorists” in “specific areas of eastern Rafah”, ground troops of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began an “anti-terrorist operation” on the night of Monday to Tuesday, according to an IDF press release.
In a tweet published early Tuesday morning, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that around “20 terrorists were eliminated and three operational tunnel shafts were located.” This operation also mobilizes the air force, according to the IDF.
In a press briefing, the Israeli military said that the Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing early Tuesday morning, taking “operational control” of the crucial crossing point. This is the main route of entry for aid and exit for those who may flee to Egypt. Since the start of the war, Israel has completely controlled access to the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army claimed to have seized the crossing after receiving information that it was being “used for terrorist purposes”. She did not provide evidence to confirm this claim, other than to say that the area around the crossing point was used to launch a mortar attack that killed four Israeli soldiers and injured others. others near the Kerem Shalom crossing point.
The army also said ground troops and airstrikes targeted suspected Hamas positions in Rafah. Palestinian Crossing Authority spokesman Wael Abu Omar confirmed that Israeli forces had seized the crossing and closed it for the time being.
The move comes after Hamas said on Monday it accepted a proposed Egyptian-Qatari-mediated ceasefire. Israel, for its part, insisted the deal did not meet its key demands. Egyptian officials said the proposal included a ceasefire starting with a limited release of hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops inside the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would send a high-ranking delegation to meet with negotiators to try to reach a deal acceptable to both sides.