The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared victory over Hamas's Rafah Brigade and destroyed approximately 80% of the cross-border tunnels into Egypt along the Philadelphi Corridor.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the successful dismantling of Hamas's Rafah Brigade and the destruction of a significant percentage of cross-border tunnels into Egypt along the Philadelphi Corridor.
According to the IDF, troops from the 162nd Division conducted targeted operations in the Rafah area in recent months, resulting in the elimination of over 2,000 Hamas terrorists. The forces destroyed approximately 8 miles of underground routes, neutralizing roughly 80% of all Hamas tunnels in the strategic security corridor.
IDF Dismantles Hamas Rafah Brigade, Destroys Majority of Cross-Border Tunnels
The Rafah Brigade was considered one of Hamas's last remaining strongholds, making its defeat a major blow to the organization, according to the Times of Israel. The IDF continues to conduct operations in the Tel al-Sultan area, north of the Philadelphi Corridor, where tunnels continue to be located and eliminated.
The Tel A-Sultan offensive, launched a couple of weeks ago, resulted in the death of Mahmoud Hamdan, Commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion, and approximately 250 other Hamas terrorists.
IDF Dismantles Hamas Rafah Brigade, Destroys Majority of Cross-Border Tunnels
The Philadelphi Corridor has become a focal point of contention in ongoing cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has indicated that it will not agree to any terms while Israeli forces remain in the security corridor, while Israel has rejected demands to vacate it due to security concerns.
The release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains a key issue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concerns that hostages could be smuggled out of Gaza into Iran's hands.
IDF Dismantles Hamas Rafah Brigade, Destroys Majority of Cross-Border Tunnels
IDF Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, commander of the 162nd Division, revealed that his troops had identified 203 separate but interconnected tunnels in the Philadelphi Corridor, with nine crossing into Egypt. All nine cross-border tunnels were reportedly rendered inoperable before IDF discovery.
Cohen emphasized that all remaining tunnels are being investigated and will be neutralized after thorough searches.
IDF Dismantles Hamas Rafah Brigade, Destroys Majority of Cross-Border Tunnels
The IDF's successful operations have weakened Hamas, disrupted cross-border infiltration, and secured a portion of the strategic security corridor adjacent to Egypt. However, tensions remain high as cease-fire negotiations continue and the issue of hostages remains unresolved.
