Israeli military seizes control of Gaza-Egypt border corridor
What's the story
The Israeli military has announced its seizure of the "Philadelphi Corridor," which is a strategic 14-kilometer-long strip along the Gaza-Egypt border. According to Daniel Hagari, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Israeli forces now have "operational control" over this area. "The Philadelphi Corridor served as an oxygen line for Hamas, which it regularly used to smuggle weapons into the area of the Gaza Strip," Hagari said.
Official
Corridor is part of a larger demilitarized zone
An Israeli military spokesman stated that Israel had notified Egypt of the takeover. According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, 20 tunnels were discovered, some of which were previously unknown to Israel, as well as 82 entrance points to the tunnels. It was unclear whether the tunnels were currently in use. The corridor is part of a larger demilitarized zone that spans the entire Israel-Egypt border.
Escalating conflict
Israel's offensive deepens despite international calls for restraint
The seizure of the Philadelphi Corridor could potentially strain relations with Egypt, which has voiced concerns over Israel's encroachment toward its border. The move came as Israel continued its raids on Rafah, after 45 people were killed and nearly 250 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike. Israel says its assault on Rafah is necessary to fulfill its goal of crushing Hamas following the October 7 raid by the terrorist group that killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages.
Prolonged conflict
War in Gaza expected to continue through 2024
In view of the recent developments, Israel's National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, has stated that the ongoing war in Gaza is expected to last at least through the end of 2024. Meanwhile, Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Raman has urged the United States to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid. The conflict in Rafah has displaced 1 million people, according to United Nations reports.