Dr Mike Evans

IDF tanks enter central Rafah as operation continues against Hamas By Dr Mike Evans

Eyewitnesses informed Reuters that several Israeli tanks reached the city center of Rafah on Tuesday.

The tanks were seen near Al-Awda mosque, a landmark in central Rafah. This development coincides with ongoing IDF operations in Rafah. Overnight activities saw IDF troops operating along the Philadelphi Corridor, targeting specific terror objectives based on intelligence.

The presence of four IDF brigades has been reported in Rafah over the past day. These brigades, including the 401st Armored Brigade, the Nahal Brigade, the 12th Brigade, and the Bislach Brigade, expanded their ground maneuvers into new areas, notably central Rafah.

This expansion follows reports of the IDF successfully evacuating approximately 950,000 Palestinian civilians within a two-week period since May 6.

IDF control encompasses an estimated 30-40% of Rafah, extending beyond the eastern sector to significant portions of the city. This has led to the evacuation of approximately 60-70% of Rafah’s population.

The IDF’s move into central Rafah occurs amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the city. The Gaza Health Ministry reported closures of the Indonesian Field Hospital and the Tal Al-Sultan Clinic, leaving only the Tal Al-Sultan Maternity Hospital operational.

These developments highlight the escalating tensions and deteriorating situation in Rafah, as military activities intensify and civilian infrastructure faces increasing strain.

Three weeks following Israel’s initiation of its ground offensive in the southernmost Gaza, targeting the last Hamas stronghold, the offensive initially commenced in eastern Rafah but has since extended to other regions.

As of Tuesday, the IDF spokesperson announced that the Bislamach Brigade from Division 162 has joined the combat operations in Rafah, JNS reported.

This addition supplements the three other active brigades in the area. Troops are engaged in operations along the Philadelphi Corridor, a border area spanning 8.7 miles between Gaza and Egypt, conducting precise actions against terrorist elements and infrastructure.