IDF Achieves Control Over Key Gaza Border Corridor

 By Charles Hawes, Capital News

Rafah, Gaza Strip
In recent days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully secured operational control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical border area between Egypt and the Rafah region. This corridor has long served as a vital smuggling route for Hamas, enabling the terrorist organization to funnel weapons into the Gaza Strip. The IDF’s recent success is attributed to an intensive operation led by the 162nd Division, which has been engaged in combat activities in the Rafah area over the past few weeks.

    During the operation, IDF troops discovered dozens of rocket launchers and launch pits along the corridor, prepared for imminent attacks on Israeli territory. Hamas strategically positioned this infrastructure between 10 and 40 meters from the Egyptian border, exploiting the proximity to deter Israeli strikes. This tactic aimed to take advantage of the border’s sensitive nature, preventing retaliatory actions near Egyptian territory. In the past weeks alone, Hamas has launched approximately seventy rockets and mortars from the Rafah area. IDF forces have uncovered around 20 tunnels within the Philadelphi Corridor. These tunnels, currently under investigation and being neutralized, have been crucial in Hamas' operations. Additionally, the IDF uncovered an extensive underground terrorist network in eastern Rafah, spanning 1.5 kilometers with an entrance just 100 meters from the Rafah crossing. This network, comprising several sub-routes, facilitated the movement of Hamas terrorists and the transfer of weapons. The 401st Brigade Combat Team played a significant role in the operation, finding a large cache of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, AK-47s, explosives, and grenades, and subsequently destroying the route.

     The Chief of the General Staff visited the troops in Rafah today, commending their determination and professionalism. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas and create conditions for the safe return of 125 hostages. "We will continue to exert all efforts to bring all hostages home. We do not forget them for a moment," he stated.

    However, the battles have not come without sacrifice. Last night, Staff Sergeant Amir Galilov, Staff Sergeant Uri Bar Or, and Staff Sergeant Ido Appel were killed during operations in Dahaniya, Rafah. Three other soldiers were seriously injured. The IDF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and commits to supporting them through this difficult time.In response to false claims by Hamas, the IDF clarified that no operations were conducted in the Al-Mawasi area. Furthermore, documents revealed today show that Hamas stole approximately 400 million shekels from the Bank of Palestine during the war, highlighting the organization’s exploitation of the civilian population. In the Central Command, a targeted shooting from Tulkarm towards Bat Hefer prompted immediate IDF searches and intelligence efforts to locate the perpetrators. The IDF remains vigilant in thwarting terrorist attacks in the Judea and Samaria sector, ensuring the security of Israeli residents through robust defense and offense measures.The IDF's continued operations in the Philadelphi Corridor mark a significant step in curbing Hamas' capabilities and restoring stability to the region.