Israel Takes Full ‘Operational Control’ Of Gaza-Egypt Border, Uncovering 20 Tunnels Leading Into Sinai Peninsula

The Gaza-Egypt border is considered a demilitarized region as per the Camp David Accords of 1978. Israel recently assumed control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

The Israel Defence Forces have announced their complete “operational control” over the Gaza-Egypt border, uncovering 20 tunnels leading into the Egyptian Sinai. The Philadelphi corridor, a 14 km stretch along the border, was established in 2006 post Israel’s disengagement from the Strip to curb weapons smuggling. However, in 2007, Hamas seized control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority.

The IDF has deployed troops across most of the corridor, with surveillance and firepower managing a section near the Mediterranean coast. The army has identified cross-border tunnels and 82 shafts within the area that will be demolished. Additionally, Hamas has strategically positioned numerous rocket launchers along the border, a politically sensitive zone.

The Gaza-Egypt border is considered a demilitarized region as per the Camp David Accords of 1978. Israel recently assumed control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Tragically, Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7 resulted in 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 252 Israelis and foreigners. Regrettably, 39 of the 125 hostages still in captivity are feared dead.