The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Tuesday that it had gained operational control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing.
The IDF said in a statement that its forces had launched a “precision counter-terrorism operation” east of Rafah.
IDF forces gained operational control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, based on information that the area was being used for “terrorist purposes,” the statement said.
Information gathered by the IDF and the Israel Securities Authority prompted an operation aimed at killing Hamas terrorists and dismantling “Hamas terrorist infrastructure within specific areas of eastern Rafah.”
Israel launches ‘targeted’ attack against Hamas in Rafah
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Tuesday that Israeli forces have operational control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing. (IDF)
Prior to the operation, the IDF urged residents of eastern Rafah to temporarily evacuate to the Expanded Humanitarian Area of Al Mawashi, where the IDF facilitated the expansion of field hospitals and tents, and increased access to water, food, and medical supplies. supported. International organizations operating in the area were also encouraged to temporarily evacuate before operations began.
“Following information indicating that the Rafah crossing in eastern Rafah is being used for terrorist purposes, IDF forces succeeded in establishing operational control of the Gaza side of the crossing,” the Israel Defense Forces said. “On Sunday, mortar shells were fired from near the Rafah intersection toward the Kerem Shalom intersection.”
Four IDF soldiers were killed during this operation and several others were injured after mortar fire was fired.
Israel asks Palestinians to evacuate Rafah ahead of expected ground operation in Hamas stronghold
The IDF announced that it had launched a “precision counter-terrorism operation” in the eastern Rafah region. (IDF)
“Additionally, as part of our operations, we are working with Israeli Defense Forces ground forces. [Israeli Air Force] “The warplanes attacked and eliminated Hamas terrorist targets in the Rafah region, including military facilities, underground infrastructure, and additional terrorist infrastructure where Hamas operates in the Rafah region,” the IDF said.
Since the operation began, about 20 Hamas terrorists have been killed and three active tunnels have been discovered. The IDF said no injuries were reported.
The Israel Defense Forces said ground forces “continue to conduct operations against Hamas terrorist operatives and infrastructure in the Rafah Crossing area, east of Rafah.”
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There is no timetable for how long the operation will last, and it is unclear whether the border will be opened for humanitarian assistance.
Yonat Friling of Fox News contributed to this report.
