Israel plans military operation to take control of Gaza-Egypt border
Israel plans military operation to take control of Gaza-Egypt border (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli authorities informed Egypt that they plan to launch a military operation to establish control over the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, according to The Times of Israel.
The media, citing sources, reports that during the operation, Israel will take control of the Rafah border crossing and deploy troops along the so-called Philadelphia Corridor separating Egypt and Gaza, while Israeli troops will operate in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli leaders have not yet given the go-ahead for the operation, and the timing of the operation will depend on negotiations with the Egyptian government, which is working on a new hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli officials have tried to allay Egyptian fears that the operation could lead to accidental damage in Egypt and that it could violate the restrictions on the deployment of troops in the area provided for in the 1979 peace treaty between the countries.
At the same time, it is noted that Egypt has rejected Israel's proposal to jointly patrol the Egyptian side of the border with Israeli troops, saying that it is working to install barriers and increase surveillance in the area.
Israel's war with Hamas
On October 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel. The terrorists began killing and kidnapping both military and civilians. Soon, Jerusalem announced Operation Iron Swords and shelled terrorist sites in the Gaza Strip.
On November 24, a temporary truce began between Israel and Hamas to release prisoners. At that time, the parties agreed to a ceasefire for four days but decided to extend it for another two days, provided that the militants release more hostages.
