SEAToday.com, Rafah - Israeli military has  begun an attack in Rafah. On Tuesday (5/7), the army took over the Palestinian side of the vital Rafah crossing between Egypt and southern Gaza. 

Footage shared by the military showed tanks marching into the city through the crossing, destroying the “GAZA” landmark with Palestinian flags. The soldiers then raised Israeli flags.

By capturing the Rafah crossing, Israel gained full control over the entry and exit of people and goods into Gaza. The military had also closed the humanitarian aid main crossing point, Karem Abu Salem, on Sunday (5/5).

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned about the potential collapse of aid flow into Gaza, and urged for both of the crossings to be reopened immediately. 

Israel’s move comes after Hamas accepted the Egyptian-Qatari mediated ceasefire proposal on Monday (5/6). Meanwhile, Israel insisted that the deal did not meet its core demands.