In a significant escalation of the Gaza conflict, the Israel military announced on Wednesday that its forces have taken control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Egypt, asserting “operational control” over the 14-kilometre-long stretch that has been a crucial supply route for Hamas.
The Philadelphi Corridor, as described by Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari, has been a conduit for Hamas to smuggle weapons into Gaza. “The corridor served as an oxygen line for Hamas,” Hagari stated, emphasising the strategic importance of this area in Israel’s broader objective to weaken Hamas’s capabilities. However, the specific implications of “operational control” were not fully detailed, though it was acknowledged that Israeli boots were on the ground along parts of the corridor.
This development follows weeks of heightened tensions and deadly confrontations. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli tanks entered Rafah, the southern Gaza city, despite an order from the International Court of Justice to cease attacks. The court had demanded Israel halt its offensive and ensure the safety and provision of essential services to civilians in Rafah, which has seen a massive influx of refugees due to the ongoing conflict.
Rafah has been under intense bombardment, with reports of significant civilian casualties. Palestinian health officials reported 19 civilian deaths from Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza. The city’s residents have described harrowing conditions, with Haitham al Hams, deputy director of ambulance and emergency services, reporting that drones targeted displaced citizens moving to designated safe areas.
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Tensions rise between Israel and Egypt
The conflict has also strained relations between Israel and Egypt. The capture of the Rafah crossing by Israeli forces in early May effectively shut down the gateway, leading to a standoff with each side blaming the other for the impasse. The situation escalated with the killing of an Egyptian soldier near the crossing, prompting both nations to launch investigations.
Egypt has historically warned against Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor, citing concerns over regional stability and the potential for a humanitarian crisis if Gazans flood into the Sinai Peninsula. While Egyptian officials have yet to publicly comment on the latest developments, the state-run Al-Qahera News channel quoted a senior official dismissing claims of tunnels under the border.
Despite these tensions, Israel and Egypt maintain close security cooperation, a legacy of the 1979 peace treaty. This cooperation, however, is tested by the current conflict, with both sides trying to manage their interests without escalating the situation further.
Humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with aid deliveries drastically reduced and widespread malnutrition reported. The United Nations has warned of famine, noting that the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza has plummeted since Israel’s assault on Rafah began. Health Minister Majed Abu Raman has called on Washington to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing to aid, highlighting the dire need for medical treatment and supplies.
As the conflict drags on, Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated that fighting in Gaza would persist throughout 2024, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s control. This stance underscores the broader strategic goals of Israel’s offensive, despite international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
The human toll continues to rise, with over 36,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict’s escalation, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The war, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, has plunged the region into further turmoil, with no immediate resolution in sight.
International voices, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have urged Israel to develop a post-war plan for Gaza to prevent chaos and a potential resurgence of Hamas. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the region remains engulfed in violence and uncertainty.
