Israeli forces say they have control of Gaza side of Rafah crossing

Israel says it is beginning mission to take out' Hamas brigades in city, as aid officials say flow of supplies through crossing has halted

• IDF says it has control of Rafah crossing - follow it live

Israeli military forces have taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, Israeli officials have said, in the first stage of what appears to be a wider offensive targeting Hamas in the southernmost parts of Gaza.

This is the beginning of our mission to take out the last four Hamas brigades in Rafah. You should be in no doubt about that whatsoever," an Israeli government spokesperson said.