IDF Claims Complete Encirclement of Rafah, Intercepts Rockets from Gaza
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Synopsis
On April 12, the IDF reported the completion of the encirclement of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. They also intercepted rockets fired from Gaza, highlighting ongoing military operations and evacuations in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The IDF has encircled Rafah, completing the Morag Corridor.
- Numerous Hamas militants have been eliminated by IDF operations.
- The IDF intercepted rockets aimed at southern Israel.
- Evacuations were ordered for eastern Gaza residents.
- Ahmad Iyad Muhammad Farhat, a key Hamas figure, was killed.
Jerusalem, April 12 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement on Saturday revealing that it has successfully encircled the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
As per the statement, an IDF armored division achieved this encirclement by finalizing the construction of the 'Morag Corridor', a strategic route in southern Gaza aimed at isolating Rafah from Khan Younis.
It was detailed that in the course of operations over the past week and a half, IDF personnel have eliminated numerous militants and dismantled Hamas military assets, including underground tunnel systems.
The IDF affirmed its intention to extend operational authority over the 'Morag Corridor' and to conduct 'counter-terrorism' operations in the vicinity.
Later on Saturday, the IDF reported that its Air Force intercepted three rockets launched from Gaza directed at southern Israel.
The rocket fire activated sirens in open areas adjacent to Gaza, with no injuries reported, as confirmed by the IDF.
On Friday, the IDF issued an urgent evacuation notice for residents in several districts of eastern Gaza City as military actions escalated in that region.
In a communication shared on social media platform X, IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians to relocate westward for their safety.
"The IDF is actively working in your areas to eliminate terrorist infrastructure," he stated, as reported by Xinhua. "For your safety, it is imperative that you evacuate immediately to designated shelter centers in western Gaza City."
In addition, the IDF announced that it had neutralized Hamas militant Ahmad Iyad Muhammad Farhat during a recent operation in the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
According to the IDF, Farhat was the leader of sniper operations for Hamas' Tel al-Sultan Battalion and was accountable for orchestrating and executing attacks against Israeli forces.
The IDF further reported that additional operations since Thursday across both southern and northern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of several Hamas militants.
The military added that it had dismantled Hamas military infrastructure and neutralized booby-trapped structures during these efforts.
