Israel controls key area of Gaza-Egypt border.

Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that it has taken control of a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt in an effort to disrupt smuggling tunnels and weaken the militant group Hamas. The conflict has been ongoing for eight months.

The capture of the Philadelphi Corridor could strain relations between Israel and Egypt, as Egypt has objected to Israel’s advancement towards its border. Israel claims that the corridor is filled with tunnels that have been used by Hamas to smuggle weapons and other goods, despite a blockade imposed by both Israel and Egypt.

Israel has also intensified its presence in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where many civilians have sought refuge from the violence. The military has deployed additional troops to the area, with a fifth brigade joining the operation.

Egypt has raised concerns about the increased military presence near the border, citing a violation of the 1979 peace accord between the two countries. Egypt has specifically criticized Israel for taking control of the Rafah border crossing, the only route between Gaza and Egypt.

According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military chief spokesperson, “The Philadelphi Corridor has been a key route for Hamas to smuggle weapons into Gaza.” The Israeli military reported discovering 20 tunnels and 82 access points in the area.

The corridor falls within a larger demilitarized zone along the Israel-Egypt border. Under the peace agreement, both sides are allowed limited troops in the zone, subject to mutual agreement. Israel previously controlled Gaza until its withdrawal in 2005.

There have been no communications between Egypt and Israel regarding the alleged tunnels found on the border, as reported by Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV. Egypt fears that the Israeli offensive could lead to a influx of Palestinians across the border, which it deems unacceptable.

The Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the Gaza-Egypt border, has been a significant area for smuggling tunnels, allowing Hamas to evade the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. Over the years, the tunnel network has been used for illicit goods and weapons trafficking.

Despite ongoing military operations in Rafah and surrounding areas, the conflict shows no signs of resolution in the near future. Israeli officials have warned of continued fighting for several months to dismantle Hamas and Islamic Jihad forces.