Israel Seizes Control of Strategic Corridor Along Gaza’s Border with Egypt

Israel Seizes Control of Strategic Corridor Along Gaza-Egypt Border in Effort to Cut Off Smuggling Tunnels

In a bold move to cripple the militant Hamas group, Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that it has taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. The strategic corridor is known for its network of smuggling tunnels that have been used to funnel weapons and goods into Gaza, despite years of blockade by Israel and Egypt.

The capture of the Philadelphi Corridor could strain Israel’s relations with Egypt, which has expressed concerns about Israel’s advance towards its border. Egypt has also objected to Israel’s takeover of the Rafah border crossing, the only crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Israel has deepened its incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where intense fighting has claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians in recent days. The military has deployed a fifth brigade, consisting of several thousand soldiers, to join the operation in the city.

Egypt has raised objections to any increase in troops in the strategic border area, citing violations of the countries’ 1979 peace accord. The Philadelphi Corridor is part of a demilitarized zone along the Israel-Egypt border, with restrictions on troop deployments by both sides.

The Israeli military has uncovered 20 tunnels and 82 access points in the corridor, some of which were previously unknown. The tunnels were used for smuggling weapons and supplies into Gaza, bypassing the blockade imposed after Hamas took control in 2007.

The ongoing conflict has displaced over a million people in Gaza, with the United Nations warning of a humanitarian catastrophe and widespread hunger. The war, now in its eighth month, has raised concerns about the future of Gaza and the role Israel will play in the region.

Despite the grim outlook, Israel’s national security adviser has predicted another seven months of fighting to dismantle Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The conflict has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and deepened Israel’s global isolation.

The international community has called for a halt to the violence, with the United States and European nations urging restraint in the offensive. The Biden administration has refused to provide offensive arms for Israel’s operations in Rafah, citing concerns about civilian casualties.

As the conflict continues, the region remains on edge, with the potential for a wider conflagration looming. The situation in Gaza is dire, with residents facing food shortages and limited access to aid. The world watches as Israel and Hamas remain locked in a deadly struggle for control.