Israel deployed tanks into Rafah and seized control of the Gaza side of a crucial crossing to Egypt, securing a strategic corridor as it prepares for a military offensive in the border city.
Israeli military footage depicted tanks moving into the Rafah crossing, following a series of airstrikes targeting Hamas and warnings for civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate westward. Negotiations for a cease-fire were ongoing, with Hamas officials and Qatari mediators arriving in Cairo, while an Israeli delegation was expected later to discuss terms for pausing the fighting and exchanging hostages taken on Oct. 7.
Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns was also anticipated to return to Cairo from Qatar for the talks, part of the Biden administration's mediation efforts.
Israel's military described the border-crossing operation as "precise and limited in space," aiming to eliminate Hamas infrastructure after the group attacked the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing, killing four soldiers. The Kerem Shalom crossing, a vital entry point for aid into Gaza along with Rafah, remained closed on Tuesday. Hamas claimed responsibility for another rocket attack on Kerem Shalom on Tuesday morning.
The move to seize the Rafah crossing holds symbolic and strategic significance, showcasing Israel's operational reach. Analysts suggest the increased military activity in Rafah aims to pressure Hamas amid negotiations.
During the border-crossing operation, about 20 militants were killed, three tunnel shafts were discovered, and Israeli special forces continued scanning the area. An explosives-laden car approaching Israeli troops was destroyed, with no Israeli soldiers injured.
Hamas condemned Israel's operation as a "dangerous escalation" that could disrupt humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypt criticized the operations in Rafah but did not immediately increase its military presence along the border.
The U.S. urged Israel not to attack Rafah to avoid worsening the humanitarian crisis. Over a million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, most displaced from other parts of Gaza during the conflict.
The Biden administration has been pressing for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive began, according to Palestinian authorities. Israel invaded Gaza after a Hamas-led attack killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to dismantle four remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah to cripple the group's ability to attack Israel.
However, some analysts doubt that a broader operation in Rafah could achieve lasting results without clarity from Israel on Gaza's governance after Hamas.