IDF Controls Half of Philadelphi Corridor: This Is How Israel's Operation in Rafah Is Progressing

About two weeks after the start of the Rafah operation, forces of the 162nd Division are deepening their engagement, and the Commando Brigade has begun operating in the Brazil neighborhood on the outskirts of the city – the westernmost point reached so far by IDF forces.

The military estimates that the Rafah operation will continue for weeks to months and will proceed slowly and deliberately due to the operation’s complexity and sensitivities with the United States and Egypt.

The IDF has been pleasantly surprised by the rapid evacuation of residents from the area, including neighborhoods in Rafah that were not required to evacuate. According to estimates, approximately 950,000 residents have moved to designated humanitarian zones prepared in advance, primarily in western Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

Currently, four brigades are operating in the Rafah area: three regular brigades – Commando, Givati, and the 401st Armored Brigade – and one reserve brigade, the 12th (Negev) Brigade, operating closer to the Israeli border. The IDF now controls approximately half of the southeastern section of the Philadelphi Corridor bordering Sinai.

“The forces are operating above and below ground, targeting terror infrastructure, locating numerous weapons, including launchers and explosives, and eliminating terrorists in the area,” the IDF said in a statement. "So far, the forces have killed over 130 terrorists, located dozens of tunnels, and several significant underground routes that are currently being investigated and destroyed.” (YNet / VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for a quick end to the war and a peaceful resolution of all matters that have yet to be agreed upon. We continually pray for the return of all our hostages, as well as the welfare of all citizens currently residing in Israel. We trust in Your timing for You love all Your children and have plans to prosper and protect us, plans to give us hope and a future. We pray in Yeshua’s name that ultimately, the terrorists will be brought to justice so that no more human lives will be devastated.”