Israel army claims control of Gaza’s Rafah crossing

On Tuesday, the Israeli army reported that it had gained “operational control” over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, a key point for aid delivery into Gaza. This military action involves scanning for potential terror threats and infrastructure.

The army described their presence as securing operational control at Rafah, emphasizing that their actions were a continuation of broader military operations. This included targeted operations in eastern Rafah, initiated based on intelligence from the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency, aimed at neutralizing Hamas operatives and disrupting their infrastructure.

The military’s actions follow a recent order for residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate to a designated “humanitarian zone” to the northwest, prompted by a militant rocket attack that resulted in casualties among Israeli soldiers.

Throughout these operations, the army confirmed the elimination of 20 militants and released footage showcasing a tank moving through Rafah, with additional drone footage depicting the presence of several tanks. The area remains under tight control, with significant military presence and ongoing operations.