Israel says it has taken control of Rafah crossing amid Gaza ceasefire talks

The Israeli military has said one of its tank brigades has taken operational control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing, and that special forces were scanning the area.

Footage broadcast on Israeli media showed an Israeli flag flying at the location. The crossing, on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, is crucial both for both aid to enter Gaza, and for Palestinians to escape into Egypt.

US President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching an offensive in Rafah. Israel has told about 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city, and has begun carrying out “targeted” strikes in eastern neighbourhoods.

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