IDF discovers more tunnels in Rafah under border with Egypt, including truck-sized tunnel

IDF troops have continued to locate and destroy underground tunnel routes in the Philadelphi Corridor area since gaining control of the region. So far, they have located and destroyed dozens of routes.

The Philadelphi Corridor is considered a strategically significant zone for the IDF, and Israeli troops moved quickly to secure it after entering Rafah. 

Early last week, in one of the operations to locate underground tunnel routes in near the corridor , a three-meter-high (11 feet) tunnel was uncovered. Images released by the IDF revealed that the tunnel was large enough to drive trucks and heavy vehicles through. 

The tunnel is currently being investigated by Yahalom combat engineers before being demolished, the IDF stated. 

Dozens of tunnels have been found along the Philadelphi Corridor since its capture, including at least 25 that crossed into Egyptian territory. 

The IDF stated it “will thoroughly destroy all the underground infrastructure on the Philadelphi Corridor and will act with determination to prevent their formation in the future.” 

Control over the Philadelphi Corridor is reportedly a contentious point in the hostage negotiations, with Israel refusing to completely abandon the area due to the extensive tunnel system used for smuggling weapons and supplies from Egypt into the Gaza Strip.

On Monday morning, IDF Maj.-Gen. Eliezer Toledano told Reshet Bet radio that Israeli forces still have a lot of work to clean up the corridor.

Egypt had previously warned Israel against taking control of the area, stating it would “lead to a serious threat to Egyptian-Israeli relations.” 

Israeli security analysts believe that Egypt did not want Israel to uncover the full extent of the tunnel system and smuggling activity, but has denied any knowledge of smuggling operations under the Rafah border.

"“With each week that passes since Israeli forces belatedly stormed Rafah, more is becoming known about the extent to which Hamas smuggling in what it needed from Egyptian territory," said Mark Dubowitz, the CEO of Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "Cairo has either denied its role in permitting these tunnels or played dumb. But how could any self-respecting government be unaware of a tunnel you could literally drive a truck through?” 

The sheer size of the tunnels makes such statements appear to be disingenuous.

Israeli troops have also discovered significant intelligence material in some of the tunnels. 

Last week, the Israeli Air Force (IAF)struck and eliminated Hamas terrorist Ismail Nofal in the area of Nuseirat based on IDF and Shin Bet intelligence

Ismail was reportedly the son of Ayman Nofal, former commander of Hamas' Central Gaza Brigade. He was responsible for rocket launches toward Israeli territory during the war and participated in the Oct. 7 mass terror attack on southern Israel.

On Saturday night, the IAF struck another terrorist conducting activities in Deir al-Balah. During the strike, secondary explosions were observed, indicating the presence of weaponry in the area.

This week, IDF troops continue to operate in central Gaza. On Sunday, for the first time in months, a rocket barrage was launched from the southern Gaza Strip towards Ashdod, triggering air raid sirens. 

Several rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome, with others landing in open areas. 

Following the rocket barrage and other recent attacks, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issued a call urging Palestinians in certain neighborhoods of Khan Younis to evacuate and move toward a humanitarian zone in anticipation of increased IDF activity in those areas.

According to his announcement, the IDF intends to “forcefully operate” against Hamas in those areas in response to the rocket attacks.