The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported significant military operations in Rafah resulting in the deaths of over 500 Hamas militants since early May. The IDF also disclosed that numerous buildings in the southern Gaza city were booby-trapped with explosives, although specific details were not provided. Additionally, the Israeli military forces successfully located and demolished 230 tunnel shafts, including 100 in the Philadelphi Corridor.
In an official statement, the IDF stated, 'We have inflicted substantial damage on Hamas' Rafah Brigade. Out of the 4 Rafah Battalions, 2 are currently operating at a moderate level, while the other 2 are functioning at a lower capacity.' It is important to note that the source has not independently verified these claims made by the IDF.
The IDF further declared their commitment to continuing operations until the complete destruction of the Rafah Brigade is achieved. The intense conflict in Rafah persisted over the weekend, with reports of heavy clashes in neighborhoods in the western part of the city on Sunday.
Tragically, on Saturday, eight IDF soldiers lost their lives near the city, marking one of the deadliest incidents for Israeli troops during the ongoing conflict.
