JERUSALEM (VINnews) — IDF forces moved into Eastern Rafah and took control of the Gazan side of the Rafah border crossing to Egypt early Tuesday morning, according to a Ynet media report.
On Monday, IDF tanks and troops started moving into the Rafah region following intense shelling of the region, and after fighting terrorist elements reached the border checkpoint, effectively sealing the border with Egypt. Social media posts from the Gaza Strip show an armored vehicle beside a sign reading Gaza in English. The Hamas border authorities announced a suspension of all border crossings there and Sky News Arabic said that the Israeli flag is now flying there.
‼️Breaking RAFAH CROSSING BORDER TODAY,ISRAEL TAKES DOWN THE PALESTINIAN FLAG AND TAKES OVER THE PALESTINIAN SIDE OF RAFAH CROSSING pic.twitter.com/ioN2AuZEl6
The IDF confirmed that the border crossing was under its control, adding the forces were searching the area from which rockets were fired during a fatal strike on the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza from Israel, killing four soldiers on Sunday. Another salvo was aimed at Kerem Shalom Tuesday morning,
The military also said that while taking control of the main Salah ad-Din thoroughfare, at least 20 terrorists had been killed, three tunnel shafts were uncovered and a car bomb nearing the force was destroyed. The IDF also said that some 100 targets were struck from the air.
The IDF spokesperson added that the seizing of the Rafah border crossing to Egypt came after intelligence indicated it had been used by terrorists. The military also said its offensive began after coordination with international organizations in the area and the urging for civilians to evacuate to save zones. Meanwhile civilians are continuing to leave the city of Rafah, seeking shelter in humanitarian zone.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that “the War Cabinet unanimously decided that Israel will continue its operation in Rafah in order to exert military pressure on Hamas to promote the release of our hostages and the other goals of the war.”
Why did they deal with rafah last?
Hamas could have and probably did use those tunnels until now!!
Hodu l’Hashem! May He protect our soldiers, grant them success in bringing this war to a close, and turn this vicious tide against our enemies.
now they will wait another 5 months to see if they could make a deal