Israeli forces continued their decisive campaign in Rafah as the Nahal and Golani Brigades, operating alongside the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, carried out intensive operations aimed at dismantling the remaining Hamas tunnel infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists hiding within the underground network. According to military reports, troops destroyed hundreds of meters of tunnels and struck more than 60 targets, including 15 tunnel shafts and 40 terror-linked structures, significantly degrading Hamas’ ability to operate in the area.

During the operation, soldiers also recovered weapons, tactical gear, and other materials near the yellow line, further confirming that the tunnel system served as a major logistical lifeline for Hamas operatives. The IDF emphasized that the discovery underscored the extent to which the terrorist organization has embedded its military assets within civilian zones.

The weekend saw one of the most intense engagements of the operation when 17 Hamas terrorists surfaced unexpectedly from a tunnel. Heavy fighting erupted, resulting in 11 terrorists being killed and six captured for interrogation. The successful capture of multiple operatives is expected to provide valuable intelligence regarding remaining tunnel routes, command structures, and planned attacks.

For supporters of Israel’s security efforts, the operation reflects the IDF’s continued determination to eliminate threats posed by Hamas’ underground infrastructure, which has long been used to smuggle weapons, launch attacks, and hide operatives. The coordinated actions of the Nahal and Golani Brigades demonstrate improved intelligence integration, precision targeting, and effective ground maneuver capabilities.

As operations continue, Israeli leadership remains focused on preventing Hamas from rebuilding its tunnel network and restoring its operational capacity. The latest achievements in Rafah represent a significant step toward weakening the remaining terrorist presence and ensuring greater security for Israeli communities threatened by cross-border attacks.