IDF: Hamas’s Rafah brigade defeated, most of its tunnels destroyed
‘Their four battalions have been destroyed, and we have completed operational control over the entire urban area.’
‘Their four battalions have been destroyed, and we have completed operational control over the entire urban area.’
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant voted against the measure, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir abstained from voting.
In early August, the IDF discovered a 10-foot-high tunnel used by Hamas to smuggle terror-related items.
Mossad director David Barnea and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant considered that the IDF could temporarily withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor in phase one of the hostage deal.
Control of the Philadelphi Corridor is essential to securing victory, strangling Hamas, and allowing the hostages to return.