In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Egypt has launched an attack on Israel, following the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) seizure of the Philadelphi Corridor. This development marks a dramatic turn in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Al-Qahera News, a media outlet with close ties to the Egyptian state, reported on Wednesday that Israel is using the purported existence of tunnels beneath Egypt’s border with Gaza as a pretext for its military offensive against Hamas. This information was attributed to a “high-level Egyptian source,” indicating the gravity of the situation.
The conflict intensified when an Israeli official announced on Wednesday that the IDF had achieved “operational control” over the Philadelphi Corridor. This strategic area runs along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, making it a critical zone for both military and smuggling activities.
The Israeli military has claimed that it discovered at least 22 tunnels connecting Gaza with Egypt. These tunnels are believed to be used by Hamas for smuggling weapons, supplies, and fighters, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
The seizure of the Philadelphi Corridor by Israeli forces is seen as a major blow to Hamas, which relies on these tunnels for its operations. However, the move has provoked a strong response from Egypt, which views the Israeli actions as a violation of its sovereignty and a direct threat to its national security.
This latest development underscores the fragile and complex nature of the Israel-Gaza conflict, with potential repercussions for the broader Middle East region. Both Israel and Egypt have significant stakes in the outcome of this conflict, and the situation remains highly fluid.
