Israeli forces have seized control of a buffer zone along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt, announced the country’s military, effectively granting Israel authority over the entirety of the Palestinian territory’s land border. Despite an International Court of Justice order to cease attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza, Israeli raids persisted, even as half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people sought refuge there.
In a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that Israeli forces had attained “operational” control over the “Philadelphi Corridor,” referring to the 14 km-long (9 mile) stretch along Gaza’s only border with Egypt, previously utilized by Hamas for weapon smuggling. While Hagari didn’t clarify the meaning of “operational” control, an Israeli military official earlier confirmed Israeli presence along parts of the corridor.
The border with Egypt, Gaza’s sole land border not directly controlled by Israel, is now under Israeli oversight. Earlier, Israeli tanks conducted raids in Rafah, moving into the city despite an order from the International Court of Justice to halt assaults. The World Court expressed concern over the safety of evacuees from Rafah and demanded the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Residents reported Israeli tanks entering Tel Al-Sultan, Yibna, and Shaboura before retreating towards a buffer zone along the Egyptian border. Distress calls from Tel Al-Sultan indicated drone attacks targeting displaced citizens. Palestinian health officials reported 19 civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza, with Israel accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields.
Health Minister Majed Abu Raman urged Washington to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing for aid, as patients in besieged Gaza lacked essential treatment. Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated that fighting in Gaza would continue into 2024, reaffirming Israel’s objective to end Hamas rule and prevent attacks on Israel by Hamas and its allies.