The Israel Defense Forces have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing, citing intelligence that the area was being used for terrorist purposes by Hamas. The IDF began a “precise counterterrorism operation” in eastern Rafah, aimed at killing Hamas terrorists and dismantling their infrastructure in specific areas. Before the operation, residents in eastern Rafah were urged to evacuate to an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, where the IDF provided increased supplies of water, food, and medical assistance. International organizations in the area were also encouraged to temporarily evacuate.
Four IDF soldiers were killed and several others injured after mortars were fired from the area of the Rafah Crossing toward the Kerem Shalom Crossing. In response, IDF ground troops and Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck and eliminated Hamas terror targets in the Rafah area, including military structures and underground infrastructure. Approximately 20 Hamas terrorists have been killed since the operation began, and three operational tunnel shafts have been discovered. The IDF stated that ground troops are still working to eliminate Hamas operative and infrastructure in the area.
The IDF operation is ongoing, with no specified timeline for how long it will last. It is unclear if the Rafah Crossing is open for humanitarian aid during this time, as the IDF continues to target Hamas terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure in eastern Rafah. The Israeli military is working to ensure the safety and security of the region by eliminating threats posed by Hamas in the area. The operation is part of a broader effort to combat terrorism and protect Israeli citizens from threats in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF’s efforts in Rafah are part of a targeted counterterrorism operation to address the terrorist activities of Hamas in the region. The killing of Hamas terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure in specific areas of eastern Rafah are critical components of the operation. The IDF is taking measures to protect civilians in the area by providing humanitarian assistance and urging residents to evacuate to safer locations. International organizations are also being advised to temporarily leave the area to ensure their safety during the operation.
The Israeli military has intensified its efforts in Rafah, conducting airstrikes and ground operations to eliminate Hamas targets and dismantle their underground infrastructure in the region. The IDF’s actions are a response to ongoing threats posed by Hamas terrorists in eastern Rafah, including mortar attacks on Israeli soldiers. The operation aims to neutralize these threats and ensure the security of the area, despite the risks faced by IDF soldiers on the ground. The IDF’s continued efforts in Rafah highlight Israel’s commitment to defending its borders and citizens from terrorist threats in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF’s effective counterterrorism operation in Rafah demonstrates Israel’s determination to confront and eliminate terrorist activities carried out by Hamas in the region. By gaining operational control of the Rafah Crossing and targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure, the IDF is working to protect civilians and prevent future attacks on Israeli territory. The ongoing operation reflects Israel’s proactive approach to security challenges in the Gaza Strip, as the IDF continues to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks to ensure the safety and well-being of the region’s inhabitants.
