📷 Image Credits: India Today
Amid its offensive in Rafah, the Israeli military has seized control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border. This move gives Israel effective control over the Palestinian territory’s entire land border. The Jewish state’s capture of this strategic corridor signals a deepening of its offensive in southern Gaza. The Philadelphi Corridor, a sensitive strip of land that runs along Gaza’s border with Egypt, has been used by Hamas for smuggling munitions into Gaza territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously emphasized the importance of closing this corridor to prevent Hamas from rearming.
The Israeli military’s operation in Rafah has strained medical and humanitarian services, with only one hospital still functioning and several aid operations relocating to other parts of Gaza. The closure of emergency clinics and services amid continued clashes and strikes has exacerbated the health care crisis in the city. The ongoing offensive in Rafah has prompted growing calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid access to ease the suffering of civilians trapped in the conflict.
The United States has criticized Israel for its failure to protect Palestinian civilians, its barriers preventing aid from reaching Gaza, and attacks by settlers on humanitarian convoys heading to the territory. Despite mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, Israel’s offensive in Rafah has continued, with Israeli forces seizing tactical control of the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent Hamas from moving through tunnels under and near the border. The impact of the conflict on civilians in Gaza has prompted international outrage and calls for immediate action to protect innocent lives.
