PREVIEW

These images and video show Israeli tanks operating by the Rafah crossing, the point where Gaza meets Egypt and through which international aid had previously been entering the territory.

In a statement the Israel Defense Forces said: “The IDF began a precise counterterrorism operation in the eastern Rafah area; Following intelligence that indicated that the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah was being used for terrorist purposes, IDF troops obtained operational control of the Gazan side of the crossing.

“Overnight (Monday), IDF ground troops began a precise counterterrorism operation based on IDF and ISA intelligence to eliminate Hamas terrorists and dismantle Hamas terrorist infrastructure within specific areas of eastern Rafah.”

The Israeli military previously said it had conducted "targeted strikes" in eastern Rafah and ordered civilians to a new humanitarian camp near Khan Younis.

“Prior to the operation, the IDF encouraged residents in the area of eastern Rafah to temporarily evacuate to the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, where the IDF has facilitated the expansion of field hospitals, tents, and an increase in water, food, and medical supplies. International organizations working in the area were also encouraged to temporarily evacuate prior to the beginning of the operation,” they said.

The IDF said the new operation was due to, “intelligence that indicated that the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah was being used for terrorist purposes.”

They added: “As part of the operational activity, IDF ground troops and IAF fighter jets struck and eliminated Hamas terror targets in the Rafah area, including military structures, underground infrastructure, and additional terrorist infrastructure from which Hamas operated in the Rafah area. Since the start of the operational activity, approximately 20 terrorists have been eliminated and three operational tunnel shafts have been located. No injuries were reported.

“IDF ground troops are continuing to operate against Hamas terrorist operatives and infrastructure in the area of the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah.”

The Israeli incursion into Rafah has provoked criticism from around the world - as one of the few places in Gaza civilians have been able to flee fighting between Israel and Hamas. It is believed by Israeli officials and defence analysts to be the last stronghold in which the militant group, which carried out terror attacks killing more than 1,000 people and taking more than 250 hostages on 7 October 2023, has significant fighting strength.