In the latest developments within the Gaza Strip, military expert Colonel Hatem Al-Falah has noted significant changes in the strategic posturing of the occupation army. According to Al-Falah, the Israeli forces are attempting to penetrate residential areas in Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. However, they are encountering fierce resistance from local fighters. This ongoing effort marks a shift from previous weeks' operations in the Jabalia area in the north, which have now seen a gradual withdrawal.
Al-Falah explained that the Israeli forces are concentrating on quieter areas in Rafah but are being met with vigorous street warfare. The military strategy employed by the resistance has been effective in causing substantial attrition to the occupation forces, which Al-Falah attributes to discrepancies between Israeli plans and on-the-ground realities. The recent withdrawal of the Israeli 35th Brigade from Jabalia signals the conclusion of a 19-day military operation there, as sustaining such operations without infantry support is not feasible.
The operations around Jabalia seem to have been a limited security endeavor, aimed at capturing prisoners or resistance leaders but ultimately yielding little success. The Israeli forces only managed to retrieve seven bodies, incurring significant losses, which likely influenced their decision to withdraw to prevent further casualties. These troops may now be redirected to central or southern Gaza, depending on new intelligence inputs.
Concurrently, Israeli forces under Division 162, commanded by Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, have declared nearly full control over the Philadelphia Corridor near the Rafah crossing, excluding some areas still under enemy fire control. This strategic position is crucial as it disrupts the smuggling routes for weapons and explosives from Egypt into Gaza. During their operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) discovered and neutralized over 20 tunnels and numerous rockets meant for launching attacks on Israel. Furthermore, the IDF has killed ten terrorists in recent operations in the northern Gaza Strip.
The control over the Philadelphia Corridor is critical in limiting Hamas's capability to restore its military infrastructure. Military officials estimate that Hamas will struggle to replenish its arsenal and build new weaponry as long as this strategic route remains under Israeli control. The ongoing maneuvers in Rafah are not only geared toward military gains but also to secure vital supply lines and prevent the inflow of military resources. This operation underscores the importance of the Rafah area in regional security dynamics and the broader conflict landscape.
- Security analysts emphasize the necessity of controlling smuggling tunnels, which have long been a lifeline for militant groups in Gaza. These underground pathways facilitate the movement of weapons, explosives, and essential equipment to sustain Hamas's military operations.
- The heightened military activity near the Rafah crossing aligns with broader strategic objectives, such as isolating Gaza from external support and creating a buffer zone against potential threats. The ongoing military pressure aims to cripple the operational capacity of militant groups and establish a more secure environment in Israeli-adjacent areas.
- Experts predict that these continued operations may lead to further escalations, prompting international calls for diplomatic resolutions. The humanitarian impact on the local population remains a concern, as the conflict disrupts daily life and access to essential services in affected areas.
