The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) announced on May 29 that it had captured a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, effectively cutting off smuggling tunnels in the area. This development marks the latest escalation in the ongoing offensive against Hamas, which is approaching its eighth month. According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF’s military chief spokesperson, the Philadelphi Corridor has been a critical lifeline for Hamas, allowing for the regular smuggling of weapons into Gaza. While the IDF has informed Egypt of the takeover, Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News TV has denied any communication with Israel regarding the tunnels. The IDF has also intensified its incursions into the Rafah area, where tents sheltering Gazans were targeted on May 28. The United Nations estimates that one million people have been displaced as a result of the attacks in Rafah, including those who had previously been displaced from other parts of Gaza. Notably, on May 24, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its attacks in Rafah while considering a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, an accusation that Israel denies.
IDF Captures ‘Strategic Corridor’ near Gaza-Egypt Border to Thwart Smuggling Tunnels
