Israel has taken control of a strategic corridor on the border between Gaza and Egypt

The Israeli army has taken control of a strategic corridor at a border point between Gaza and Egypt in a major maneuver to cut off smuggling tunnels As it seeks to destroy the terrorist group Hamas in a war that has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The occupation of the Philadelphia Corridor could complicate Israel’s relations with Egypt, which has complained about Israel’s advance toward its borders. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said about 20 tunnels had been found in the corridor, which has allowed the entry of weapons and other supplies for Hamas, despite a blockade imposed for years by Israel and Egypt.

Israel too has pressed ahead with its assault on the southern city of Rafahin southern Gaza, where thousands of Gazans have sought refuge to escape the fighting, and where escalating violence has killed dozens of Palestinians in recent days. The army said the Fifth Brigade (up to several thousand soldiers) joined the troops operating in the city on Tuesday.

Egypt says any troop increase in strategic border region would be counterproductive The 1979 peace accord would be violated Between the two countries.

No safe haven for Palestinians

Some Gazans have begun to flee Rafah as the Israeli military offensive progresses. However, Palestinians They no longer have a safe place Where to go.

“We broke down the tents to find a safe place. They told us this area is safe and they will not attack the safe area, but still They bombed us at night” one Palestinian told The Associated Press.

During this, Some Israeli soldiers’ mothers have protested On Wednesday, a rally was held in Tel Aviv against the government calling for an end to the war between Israel and Hamas. Protesters covered their bodies with blood-red paint, symbolizing the continued bloodshed of the war, which began in October 2023.

this is what the army says At least 290 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground operation in Gaza.

“The government does not care. They don’t care about the lives of the hostages And they don’t care about soldiers’ lives,” said Nurit Felsenthal, the mother of an Israeli soldier currently fighting in Gaza.