Israeli troops said fighting near Rafah crossing with Egypt

Reports indicate that Israeli troops and tanks are nearing the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Palestinian enclave after fighting along the so-called Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border.

In footage from the crossing broadcast by Egypt’s al-Qahera TV, heavy gunfire and explosions can be heard as well as the drone of military aircraft. No people can be seen at the crossing.

Footage from the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing where gunfire can be clearly heard in the background. pic.twitter.com/RsvPJO4vSj

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An Egyptian official says the operation appears to be limited in scope. He and Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV say Israeli officials informed the Egyptians that the troops would withdraw after completing a targeted operation.

On Sunday, Hamas fighters near the Rafah crossing fired rockets into southern Israel, killing four Israeli soldiers.

A Palestinian security official and an Egyptian official confirm that Israeli tanks have entered the southern Gaza town of Rafah.

Elsewhere in Rafah, the Palestinian al-Quds news network claims five fatalities were brought to a local hospital after a home was bombed in the west of the city.

A live feed from a Rafah intersection provided by Reuters shows little activity beyond the movement of ambulances and journalists.