Israel’s military has announced that it has taken control of a critical corridor stretching along Gaza’s border with Egypt, near the city of Rafah, amidst recent clashes.
The capture of the Philadelphi corridor indicates Israel’s intensified offensive in southern Gaza, despite calls for restraint following civilian casualties.
This move may strain relations with Egypt, which has expressed concerns over Israel’s advancement towards its border, particularly when Israeli forces seized the Rafah border crossing, the sole passage between Gaza and Egypt.
The corridor is part of a broader demilitarised zone along the Israel-Egypt border, where both nations are permitted only minimal troop deployment under a peace agreement. Originally, Israeli forces governed Gaza until their withdrawal in 2005.
Stretching approximately 100 metres wide in places, the corridor spans the 14-kilometre length of Gaza’s border with Egypt, encompassing the Rafah crossing. This area is known for smuggling tunnels connecting Egypt and Gaza.
Israel’s military provided no further details on the operation. Earlier, a senior Israeli official forecasted a continuation of the conflict until the end of the year, highlighting the grim reality of a war that has persisted for eight months, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and exacerbating Israel’s global isolation.
National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi projected another seven months of non-stop bombardment of Gaza. Questions arise regarding Gaza’s future and Israel’s role therein, especially with the United States urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to outline a post-war vision for the Palestinian territory.
The war has ravaged Gaza, displacing much of its population, leading to a humanitarian crisis, and attracting international legal scrutiny. Disagreements with the White House and the recognition of Palestine by European nations have further complicated matters.
Israel aims to dismantle the remaining militant forces in Rafah and seeks ongoing security control over Gaza even after the conflict ceases. However, achieving these objectives remains uncertain amidst continued resistance and displacement of civilians.