Ankara: Israel closed the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza on Tuesday, preventing the departure of injured Palestinians for medical treatment abroad.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israel informed workers on the Palestinian side of the crossing that the terminal had been closed.

"The EU Border Assistance Mission at the crossing has been notified of the decision," KAN said. The Rafah crossing, located on the border with Egypt, had been reopened last month under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel to facilitate the evacuation of injured Palestinians for medical treatment abroad.

The Israeli army launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of over 320 people and injuries to hundreds, despite the existing ceasefire agreement. Images from Gaza revealed that the majority of the victims were civilians, including women and children, whose homes were targeted during the night.

Since October 2023, more than 48,500 Palestinians have been killed, predominantly women and children, and over 112,000 others have been injured due to the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice in relation to its actions in the enclave.