The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a highly effective and relentless operation in Rafah, dismantling approximately half of Hamas's formidable fighting force in the area. This campaign has resulted in the elimination of at least 550 Hamas gunmen, as the IDF continues its resolute assault on this stronghold in the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip.

A Forty-Day Siege: Strategic Mastery by the 162nd Division

Under the command of Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, the IDF’s 162nd "Steel Formation" Division has waged an intense battle in Rafah for over 40 days. The operation began with a decisive takeover of the city's eastern outskirts and the critical border crossing with Egypt in early May. This initial success set the stage for subsequent maneuvers that would further tighten the IDF's grip on Rafah.

Brief Summary - Rafah:

IDF:

60-70% of Rafah is under Israeli control

Operational control of the Philadelphia axis was achieved

2 out of 4 Rafah battalions are in serious condition

2 others in the state of "moderate competence"

Dozens of long-range rockets, 200 shafts and…

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) June 17, 2024

In the second phase of the operation, approximately ten days later, the division swiftly captured the Brazil neighborhood, demonstrating their tactical prowess. This was followed by a bold move in the third phase, where the IDF secured the entire Egypt-Gaza border, famously known as the Philadelphi Route. This critical route had been a lifeline for Hamas, facilitating the smuggling of weapons and supplies. The IDF’s control here was a strategic blow to Hamas’s operational capabilities.

Comprehensive Neutralization of Hamas's Fighting Force

The IDF has reported the elimination of at least 550 gunmen during the Rafah operation, a figure based on those physically identified post-battle. The actual number of casualties is likely much higher, considering the extensive strikes on buildings and tunnels. The operation has also forced an unknown number of Hamas operatives to flee Rafah, further depleting their ranks.

RAFAH UPDATE

DURATION AND CONTROL:
40 days into the IDF operation in the southern city, approximately 70% of the area is under IDF control, with around 550 terrorists eliminated.

COMMANDER’S SURVIVAL:
IDF hints that Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana survived an… pic.twitter.com/MDtOa00nDN

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 17, 2024

Of the four battalions constituting Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, two—Yabna (South) and East Rafah—are nearly obliterated. The other two battalions, Shaboura (North) and Tel Sultan (West), have seen their capabilities significantly degraded due to relentless IDF operations.

Securing the Philadelphi Corridor: Uncovering Hamas’s Arsenal

Along the 8.7-mile Philadelphi Corridor, Israeli forces have discovered hundreds of rockets, including numerous long-range missiles aimed at central Israel. This discovery highlights the extensive preparations Hamas had made for sustained attacks. Moreover, the IDF has unearthed an intricate network of tunnels, including at least 25 extending to the Egyptian border, some likely crossing into Sinai. These tunnels were crucial for Hamas’s smuggling operations, bringing in weapons and supplies. The IDF is meticulously investigating these tunnels to dismantle this underground network completely.

WATCH

RAFAH: The IDF spokesperson has released aerial footage showing the Swedish village in southwest Rafah cleared by soldiers from the 162nd Division, following their control of the Philadelphi axis.

Hundreds of Hxmas have been eliminated in Rafah so far. pic.twitter.com/eshqImky2m

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 17, 2024

Dominating Rafah: A Tactical Triumph

Beyond the Philadelphi Route, the IDF has achieved “complete operational control” over the Brazil neighborhood and the strategically important NPK neighborhood of Rafah, situated near the Shaboura and Yabna camps. The NPK neighborhood, a major Hamas stronghold, witnessed fierce battles with dozens of gunmen eliminated within its tunnels.

The 162nd Division now controls 60-70% of Rafah, with full control anticipated within two weeks. This operation has not been without sacrifice; the division has lost 22 soldiers, including eight in a recent tragic incident where an armored vehicle was attacked.

GAZA BATTALE UPDATE: reports in the last hour on the movement of IDF tanks and heavy equipment from the Philadelphi corridor area towards the center of Rafah city and the location of ​​Al-Auda Square. Along with the advance of the forces to the north, accompanying artillery fire… pic.twitter.com/cUxd2TVETG

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) June 17, 2024

Rafah Center after the visit from the IDF pic.twitter.com/N5yWjkqRAu

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) June 17, 2024

Continued Vigilance and Civilian Safety

The IDF remains vigilant as the campaign continues. On Monday, air-raid sirens sounded in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, a community near the southern Gaza Strip, indicating the ongoing threat posed by Hamas.

Amidst the conflict, over a million noncombatants have fled the combat zone to safer areas such as Al-Muwasi, central Gaza, and Khan Yunis. This mass exodus underscores the human cost of the conflict and the IDF's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties while dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure.

Conclusion

The IDF’s operation in Rafah exemplifies strategic brilliance and relentless determination. Through meticulous planning and courageous execution, the 162nd Division has struck a significant blow to Hamas, dismantling a substantial portion of its fighting force and disrupting its operational capabilities. The battle for Rafah is a testament to the IDF's unwavering resolve to ensure the safety and security of Israel.