Egyptian Authorities closed the Rafah Border Crossing on Friday, after launching a major military assault against “terrorists” in Sinai.

The border was scheduled to close on Friday night, allowing for the three-day passage of students and humanitarian cases for the first time since the beginning of this year.

Hamas leader, Ismail Haneiyeh, was allowed to cross to Egypt for talks before the border was closed on Friday morning, one day before planned.

"The Rafah border was closed today due to the security situation in Sinai, we were informed by the Egyptian authorities," said Saleh al-Zaq, head of the civil affairs committee which controls the borders in the Gaza Strip.

On Friday morning the Egyptian army announced the launch of a major operation against jihadists across the country, including the Sinai Peninsula bordering Gaza.