IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has reported that Israeli troops have successfully eliminated at least 900 terror operatives in Rafah, located in southern Gaza, during the ongoing military operations. During a visit to a forward logistics base in the southern Gaza Strip, Halevi detailed the extent of these operations, according to Times of Israel.
“In [Hamas’s] Rafah Brigade, we have seen with our own eyes over 900 dead terrorists, including commanders, at least one battalion commander, numerous company commanders, and many operatives,” Halevi informed the troops. His statement highlights the significant impact of the IDF’s efforts in targeting and neutralizing key figures within the Hamas military structure.
Halevi emphasized the IDF's commitment to continuing their operations in Rafah, particularly focusing on dismantling Hamas’s extensive infrastructure, including its network of tunnels. “It takes time, so this campaign is long because we do not want to leave Rafah with the infrastructure,” he explained. This long-term strategy aims to ensure that once the IDF withdraws, Hamas’s ability to regroup and reestablish its operations in Rafah is severely hindered.
The destruction of the tunnels is a crucial aspect of the IDF’s strategy, as these tunnels have been used by Hamas for smuggling weapons, moving operatives, and launching attacks. By systematically targeting and destroying these tunnels, the IDF aims to cripple Hamas’s operational capabilities in the region.
The comprehensive nature of the IDF’s operations in Rafah underscores the determination to not only combat immediate threats but also to prevent future conflicts by dismantling the infrastructure that supports terrorist activities. Halevi’s visit to the troops serves as a morale booster and a reminder of the ongoing mission's importance and the significant progress made thus far.