The Israeli military responded by closing the crossing and reported 10 rockets being launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the area.

At least 19 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the same area, according to Palestinian health officials.

Hamas' armed wing claimed responsibility for the attack on the crossing but did not confirm if it was the intended target.

The commercial crossing was reportedly not the target, according to Hamas media.

A million Palestinians are seeking refuge in Rafah, Egypt's border with Gaza.

After a Hamas attack, an Israeli airstrike hit a house in Rafah, killing three people and injuring several others.

The Israeli military claimed they targeted the launcher used for the attack and a nearby military structure.

Hamas denies using civilians as human shields.

Later, an Israeli air strike killed nine Palestinians, including a baby, in another house in Rafah.

A new strike in Gaza on Sunday resulted in at least 19 deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to over 34,600 and injuries to over 77,000, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Israel had planned to enter the southern city to remove Hamas forces but faced pressure to cease fire due to the potential risks to humanitarian efforts and lives.

The conflict began after Hamas carried out a cross-border raid on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and 252 hostages taken, according to Israeli reports.

Ceasefire talks were ongoing in Cairo, but hopes for a resolution were fading.