What it is about
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully dismantled the Hamas Rafah Brigade, eliminating at least 2,308 operatives and destroying over 13 kilometers of underground tunnels. The IDF currently holds control over Rafah city and the crucial Philadelphi Corridor bordering Egypt.
Why it matters
This achievement is a significant victory for Israel in its ongoing efforts to neutralize Hamas’s capabilities and improve security along its southern border. Israel’s control over the Philadelphi Corridor drastically limits Hamas’s ability to smuggle weapons and conduct terrorist operations.
Details
High-ranking IDF officials reported in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah that numerous tunnels used by Hamas have been discovered and neutralized. Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, who led the operation, confirmed that the IDF’s 203 located tunnels largely have been destroyed or soon will be.
Operational Control Achieved
“The Rafah Brigade has been defeated,” Cohen stated, noting the significant loss of Hamas operatives and the seizure of urban control. Despite ongoing investigations into remaining tunnels, Cohen assured completion within weeks.
Strategic Importance
Control over the Rafah Border Crossing and tunnel destruction cripple Hamas’ smuggling operations, given the limited utilities of inactive tunnels previously plagued by Egyptian demolition efforts. The operation highlighted Hamas’s shift towards local weapons manufacturing as external supply lines dwindled.
Inside the Tunnel Network
The IDF’s steps inside Hamas’s tunnel network unveiled an intricate, interconnected underground maze, revealing an extensive three-level system termed “umm al-anfaq” (mother of tunnels). Operational tunnels in northern Gaza contrast with Rafah’s vast interconnected grid.
Combat Engineering Success
IDF’s advance saw many tunnels being deliberately shut off by Hamas in retreat, yet enabling vital discoveries such as the complex in the Yabna area, used by top Hamas commanders.
Human Cost and Emotional Toll
Despite combat goals remaining primary, IDF also prioritized hostage rescue amid operational threats. Fallen tunnels like in Tel Sultan where six Israeli hostages were tragically found stressed the operation’s emotional toll. Their rescue attempts reflect the delicate balance between combat assurance and humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
The successful operations in Gazan corridors reassert Israel’s technological and strategic superiorities in countering terror threats, fulfilling security imperatives while navigating complex humanitarian challenge.
Moving Forward
Awaiting further political directives, the IDF remains steadfast in ensuring maximized suppression of future Hamas offensives, underscoring Israel’s robust defense realm today and into the future.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.