After starting to evacuate civilians in parts of Rafah yesterday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says it’s established “operational control” of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing. If that’s ringing any bells, it’s because the crossing – which is just south of Gaza City, along the Gazan/Egyptian border – is one of the main entry points for humanitarian aid into the Strip. Vision released by the IDF shows tanks bearing Israeli flags entering the area, which military leaders claim was “being used for terrorist purposes”. The takeover means all movement through the crossing – including aid deliveries – has stopped. Israel began launching “targeted strikes” on parts of eastern Rafah yesterday, hours after Hamas announced it had accepted a ceasefire deal. But Israel said the terms of that deal were “beyond” the original offer and they are returning to Cairo today for more talks.