An Egyptian official accused Israel of using claims about the existence of tunnels at the border with the Gaza Strip to justify its military operation in Rafah in southern Gaza, following its official announcement of complete control over the Philadelphi border route. The "Cairo News" channel reported that a "high-ranking Egyptian source" stated, "There are no communications with the Israeli side regarding claims of tunnels along the Gaza border with Egypt."
The source explained that these lies propagated by Tel Aviv reflect the extent of the internal crisis facing the Israeli government, indicating that Israeli attempts continue to export falsehoods about the field conditions of its forces in Palestinian Rafah to obscure its military failures and to escape its political crisis.
The source added, "Israel uses these claims to justify the continuation of the Rafah operation and to prolong the war for political purposes." Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi indicated in an interview with Israel's public broadcasting authority (KAN) that Israel must ensure with the Egyptians that smuggling does not occur through tunnels under the border. He said, "Israel needs to close the border between Egypt and Gaza."
An Israeli military official announced on Wednesday that Israel had established operational control over the strategic Philadelphi route along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The Philadelphi route is 14 kilometers long and runs along the border with Egypt, from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south. The route falls within an agreed-upon buffer zone between Israel and Egypt.
Since the most intense war in Gaza broke out in October of last year, Israel has repeatedly spoken about ongoing smuggling through tunnels beneath the border. However, the head of the General Authority for Information in Egypt, Diaa Rashwan, previously accused Israel of using these claims to justify its illegal occupation of the Philadelphi route.
In January, Rashwan stated that Egypt had permanently destroyed these tunnels, established a buffer zone, and reinforced border control, making any smuggling operations impossible, whether above or below ground. Tensions between Israel and Egypt have escalated since the Israelis ignored international warnings and proceeded with a ground operation in Rafah earlier this month.
The control over the Philadelphi route comes just weeks after Israeli forces took control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on May 7. On Tuesday, Israeli tanks were positioned in the center of Rafah, where the United Nations states that 1.4 million people, mostly displaced, are seeking refuge.
