The Israeli military has officially declared that it has completely encircled the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which borders Egypt. This move has sparked international concern over the potential for a large-scale massacre of Palestinians trapped in the area.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the 36th Division is actively working to eliminate Hamas operatives and destroy both above-ground and underground infrastructure associated with the group.
He further announced that the Morag Corridor, which effectively divides southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis, has now been secured by Israeli forces. According to Adraee, underground tunnels and key Hamas infrastructure have been destroyed, and the siege of Rafah is now complete.
He asserted that the Israeli military would continue its operations in the area, aiming to eliminate Hamas presence and dismantle the group’s infrastructure, particularly along the Morag Axis.
This announcement coincides with diplomatic efforts as a Hamas delegation heads to Cairo to negotiate a possible ceasefire agreement. A senior Hamas source shared that the delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian officials for talks aimed at ending hostilities.
The source expressed hope for meaningful progress, emphasizing the goals of halting aggression, ending the war, and securing the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
This escalation comes amid mounting pressure from international communities calling for restraint and humanitarian access in Gaza, where millions remain displaced and at risk due to the ongoing conflict.
