Israeli forces take control of Gaza side of Rafah border

Smoke billows from the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment. Pic/AFP

An Israeli tank brigade seized control on Tuesday of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, authorities said, moving forward with an offensive in the southern city. The Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing early Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said, taking "operational control" of the crucial crossing.

Israel's seizure and closing of the Rafah crossing in Gaza raises concerns that already scarce supplies will be further depleted and lead to a "catastrophic" disaster. It's the main route for aid entering the besieged enclave and exit for those able to flee into Egypt.

Footage released by the Israeli military showed a tank entering the crossing. Details of the video matched known features of the crossing and showed Israeli flags flying from tanks that seized the area. The Israeli military claimed it seized the crossing after receiving intelligence it was "being used for terrorist purposes".

Hamas accepts proposal on hostage release

Hamas has accepted a proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, marking a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, CNN reported. The proposal, outlined in a document obtained by CNN from a reliable source in the region, lays out a comprehensive plan aimed at de-escalating tensions and paving the way for sustainable peace.

A Palestinian youth with a child walks through the rubble in Rafah's Tal al-Sultan district. Pic/AFP

According to the document, the agreement will be implemented in three phases, each lasting 42 days. The first phase entails the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick, over the course of six weeks.

In exchange, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from parts of Gaza, reconnaissance flights will be halted for 10 hours daily, and disarmed Palestinians will be allowed free movement throughout the Gaza Strip. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released, with specific criteria outlined for the exchange process, as reported by CNN.

Israel says deal is unsatisfactory

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the proposal was far from Israel's demands but that he would send a delegation to Cairo for talks. "While the Hamas proposal is far from meeting Israel's core demands, Israel will dispatch a ranking delegation to Egypt in an effort to maximise the possibility of reaching an agreement on terms acceptable to Israel," a statement said.

2 Palestinians held for incitement

Israeli police arrested two Palestinians in Jerusalem with ties to Hamas, the police said on Tuesday. One suspect, a 35-year-old man, was arrested on Monday, the other, 39, was arrested last week also.

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