A Palestinian security official and an Egyptian official said Israeli tanks entered the southern Gaza town of Rafah, reaching as close as 200 meters from its crossing with neighbouring Egypt.
Israel's military said it has taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, a vital entry point for aid to Gaza on the Egyptian border. Follow for live updates.
Rafah invasion: How Israeli control of crossing will cut vital aid lifeline to Palestinians middleeasteye.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from middleeasteye.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Palestinian hopes for an end to the war were shattered late last night when Israel launched intense air strikes on Rafah and took control of the border crossing