Israeli forces have seized control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border area between Gaza and Egypt, in a bid to counteract Hamas smuggling activities. Tensions have escalated between Egypt and Israel following military actions in Rafah, leading to a mass exodus of Palestinians. A proposed U.N. resolution for an immediate cease-fire faces potential veto from the U.S., which supports limited Israeli operations against Hamas. Public opinion in Israel is split on the military response’s effectiveness, with concerns lingering over the conflict’s impact and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
Israeli forces have announced control over the strategic Philadelphi Corridor, a border strip between Gaza and Egypt, to counteract Hamas’s smuggling operations. The move follows increased tensions between Egypt and Israel over Israel’s military actions in Rafah, causing over one million Palestinians to flee. Egyptian state media denied claims of smuggling tunnels, and Egyptian officials have yet to comment publicly. An incident on Monday involved the death of an Egyptian soldier in a shooting with Israeli forces near Rafah, further straining relations.
In response to a recent Israeli strike in Rafah that killed at least 45 Palestinians, including children, a new U.N. Security Council resolution has been proposed, calling for an immediate cease-fire. The U.S. has indicated it may veto the resolution, preferring limited Israeli operations to continue against Hamas.
In Israel, public opinion is divided on the military response’s adequacy, with 39% believing it is appropriate and 34% thinking it should be stronger. Concerns remain about the conflict’s duration and scope. Netanyahu’s popularity has decreased amidst criticism for lacking a postwar political strategy for Gaza.
The Pew Research survey found that 72% of Israelis favor U.S. involvement in resolving the conflict, despite criticism of President Biden’s handling of the crisis. The survey also highlighted significant support within Israel for continued military actions and skepticism about potential long-term solutions.