“I saw with my own eyes quite a few tunnels crossing into
Egypt; some were closed, and several were open,” Defense Minister Israel Katz
said at a February conference, according to N12.
“We had information that Hamas was planning to attack
soldiers and settlements during the ceasefire.”
Despite efforts to control the corridor as a buffer zone,
numerous experts argue that holding the border may not effectively stop the
flow of weapons.
The report follows the recent resumption of combat
operations in the Gaza Strip and a military order issued in late March
directing residents of Rafah in southern Gaza to evacuate.
The IDF had previously withdrawn troops from Rafah after a
ceasefire was agreed upon in January, though that ceasefire has since expired.
Less than two weeks ago, the IDF reported that Yahalom Unit
troops dismantled a one-kilometer-long Hamas tunnel route. Currently, the
143rd, 252nd, and 36th IDF divisions are operating in the area.
The IDF also told N12 that it has detected a significant
number of Hamas terrorists fleeing combat zones. These terrorists are
reportedly hiding among civilian populations and within tunnels, likely trying
to avoid direct contact with soldiers.
The military noted that its operations in Gaza have become
more decentralized, with limited face-to-face combat, although it assumes this
will be temporary. The IDF believes Hamas will eventually be forced to engage
in direct confrontation again.
“IDF troops, under the leadership of the Southern Command,
are deepening the operation, and this will continue at a deliberate and
determined pace,” said Chief of the General Staff, Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir.
“The only thing that can halt our advance is the release of
our hostages. Their return would allow our forces to reposition and enable the
continuation of negotiation.”
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