The Israel Defense Forces have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing after conducting a “precise counterterrorism operation” in eastern Rafah. The operation was prompted by intelligence showing that the area was being used for “terrorist purposes,” with the goal of killing Hamas terrorists and dismantling their infrastructure in specific areas of eastern Rafah. The IDF urged residents in eastern Rafah to temporarily evacuate to a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, where field hospitals, tents, water, food, and medical supplies were provided. International organizations in the area were also encouraged to evacuate before the operation began. Four IDF soldiers were killed and several others injured during the operation after mortars were fired from the Rafah Crossing towards the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
Following the intelligence indicating terrorist activity at the Rafah Crossing, IDF ground troops and Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck and eliminated Hamas targets in the area, including military structures, underground infrastructure, and other terrorist infrastructure used by Hamas in Rafah. In the course of the operation, approximately 20 Hamas terrorists have been killed and three operational tunnel shafts were discovered. No injuries were reported among IDF forces. The IDF stated that ground troops are actively engaged in targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the area of the Rafah Crossing, continuing their efforts to dismantle the terrorist presence there. There is no specified timeline for the duration of the operation, and it remains unclear whether the crossing is currently open for humanitarian aid.
This operation marks a significant development in Israel’s efforts to combat Hamas terrorism in the Gaza Strip. By gaining operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing and conducting targeted strikes against Hamas targets in Rafah, the IDF is working to prevent terrorist activities and dismantle Hamas infrastructure in the area. The operation has resulted in casualties among both IDF soldiers and Hamas terrorists, with ongoing efforts by ground troops to eliminate terrorist operatives and infrastructure in the vicinity of the Rafah Crossing. The IDF’s actions are part of a broader strategy to enhance security and stability in the region, as well as to protect Israeli citizens from the threat of terrorist attacks originating from Gaza.
The proactive measures taken by the IDF in response to intelligence indicating terrorist activity at the Rafah Crossing demonstrate Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and preventing hostile actions by terrorist groups. By urging residents and international organizations in eastern Rafah to evacuate ahead of the operation, the IDF sought to minimize civilian casualties and ensure the safety of non-combatants in the area. The operation has involved a combination of ground troops and air strikes to target Hamas terrorists and infrastructure, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists and tunnel shafts used by Hamas. Moving forward, the IDF will continue its efforts to disrupt Hamas operations in Rafah and maintain control over the crossing to prevent future terrorist activities.
The IDF’s success in gaining operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing and targeting Hamas terrorists in Rafah highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel in the Gaza Strip. By conducting a precise counterterrorism operation and eliminating terrorist infrastructure in the area, the IDF aims to enhance security measures and protect Israeli citizens from potential threats emanating from Gaza. The operation has demonstrated the IDF’s readiness to respond to intelligence indicating terrorist activity and take proactive steps to prevent attacks on Israeli territory. As the operation continues, the IDF remains focused on dismantling Hamas infrastructure in Rafah and maintaining control over the crossing to prevent further terrorist activities in the region.
