Israel Operational Control of Philadelphi Corridor Between Gaza and Egypt, Uncovers 20 Tunnels
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – In a significant development, Israel has taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor, cutting off Gaza-to-Egypt terror tunnels. This corridor, considered an “oxygen line” for Hamas, is now under Israeli “operational control,” stated IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. Israeli forces have uncovered 20 tunnels beneath the 8.7-mile-long border area.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari stated Wednesday, “Our operations in Rafah have confirmed the intelligence that compelled us to operate in Rafah in the first place. Hamas turned the Philadelphi route into a central Hamas hotbed of terror. We have now gained operational control over the Philadelphi route in Rafah.”
“Hamas exploited the Philadelphi Corridor, using it to build this infrastructure just dozens of meters from the border with Egypt so that we would not strike them,” said Hagari. “This infrastructure was located between 10 and 40 meters from the border, specifically so that Israel would not strike near the fence with Egypt. I remind you that in recent weeks, Hamas has fired about 70 rockets and mortars from the Rafah area.”
Over the last 23 days of fighting in eastern Rafah, Israeli troops discovered a nearly eight-mile subterranean tunnel network comprising about 20 tunnels filled with explosives, grenades, and AK-47s. Hagari stated that Hamas is also holding hostages in this network.
This underground infrastructure, was used to launch attacks against the IDF, and included living quarters and stashes of weaponry like Kalashnikov rifles and anti-tank missiles. One of the shafts was built just 100 meters from the Rafah crossing, a key entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
”Hamas is in Rafah. Hamas has been holding our hostages in Rafah, which is why our forces are operating in Rafah. Hamas is holding our hostages in living hell across our border in Gaza, including in Rafah. We will not stop fighting for their freedom,” Hagari stated.
The IDF is carefully limiting its actions to specific areas in Rafah to avoid provoking the Biden administration, which has repeatedly warned Israel against a large-scale military operation in Hamas’ last stronghold in the Gaza Strip.
The U.S. concern has primarily been the danger to innocent civilians. However, the IDF has successfully facilitated the evacuation of over a million Gazans to safe zones, where they can access food, water, shelter, and medical aid.
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