Egypt has dismissed Israeli assertions regarding the existence of operational tunnels beneath the Gaza border area. On Sunday, the Israeli military claimed that it had uncovered multiple underground tunnel routes in the Philadelphi Corridor.
According to the state-affiliated Al-Qahera News channel, an Egyptian source described these claims as an attempt by Israel to divert attention from its failures in Gaza and justify its actions. The source criticized Israel for not providing evidence of such tunnels and for using claims of closed tunnels in Gaza to advance political objectives.
The Philadelphi Corridor, a demilitarized zone between Egypt and Gaza, was taken under Israeli control in May, a move that Cairo strongly opposed. The Egyptian source accused Tel Aviv of ignoring the smuggling of weapons from Israel to the West Bank as a pretext for seizing more land and perpetuating violence.
International condemnation has followed Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Since the onset of the conflict last October, over 39,600 Palestinians have been reported killed, with more than 91,600 injured. Gaza remains heavily impacted by a blockade affecting food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge. The court’s action reflects widespread international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the region.
