An Israeli tank brigade has seized control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, authorities say, moving forward with an offensive in the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain on a knife’s edge.
The move comes after hours of whiplash in the Israel-Hamas war, with the militant group on Monday saying it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari mediated cease-fire proposal. Israel, meanwhile, insisted the deal did not meet its core demands. The high-stakes diplomatic moves and military brinkmanship left a glimmer of hope alive — but only barely — for an accord that could bring at least a pause in the 7-month-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing early Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said, taking “operational control” of the crucial crossing. It’s the main route for aid entering the besieged enclave and exit for those able to flee into Egypt.
Kim Kardashian is relentlessly BOOED by the crowd at Tom Brady roast in her hometown of Los Angeles
Attack blamed on IS militants kills 22 pro
Iran hints it will build a NUKE if Netanyahu carries out a strike on its atomic sites
Chinese navy is operating out of Cambodia's Ream base: US think tank — Radio Free Asia
Brooke Shields and model daughter Grier Henchy, 18, get matching tattoos with a sentimental meaning
Soldiers who lost limbs in Gaza fighting are finding healing on Israel's amputee soccer team
Netflix adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley fuels tourism to tiny Italian town
UK's Princess of Wales says she is under cancer treatment
NBC will stick with dual announcers and analysts for the US Open