The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Monday evening that “The War Cabinet unanimously decided that Israel will continue the operation in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas in order to promote the release of our hostages and the other goals of the war.”
The IDF confirmed that the military began attacking terrorist targets in Rafah in a “targeted manner.”
Overnight on Tuesday IDF forces captured the Rafah crossing on the Gaza side. According to the IDF, the 162nd Armored Division, the 401st Armored Brigade, the Givati Infantry Brigade, and special units are operating in eastern Rafah. So far, more than 150 targets have been attacked and operational control of the Rafah crossing has been achieved. Twenty terrorists were killed and three tunnel shafts were located.
The “Palestinian” flags at the crossing were promptly replaced with Israeli flags, just in time for Independence Day.
The Rafah crossing is a key Gaza pathway for Hamas to smuggle the very weapons used to kill Israelis. Israel’s operational control of the Rafah crossing in this war is a significant achievement in eliminating the political and military power of Hamas. Israel took initiative and action as it saw fit and did not play into the hands of either Hamas or cave to U.S. and outside pressures.
Speaking of outside pressure, the U.S.’s recent backstabbing Israel by withholding a shipment of arms hurts Israel but will not stop it from its mission. The Israel Defense Forces is determined to win this war and doesn’t need support from a politician desperate for votes in the next election at the expense of Jewish lives.
Sources:
IDF begins striking terror targets in Rafah, by Israel National News, May 6, 2024
IDF Takes Over Rafah Crossing, 20 Terrorists Killed, by David Israel/Jewish Press, May 7, 2024