Rafah update for anyone interested:
"The battle for Rafah was relatively quiet and successful in its first few days. However, in the last few days, it has turned brutal and deadly. The 162nd division is running the show there. Despite losing 12 soldiers in two days, they have had significant achievements.
The operation started with a sophisticated feint, which made Hamas commanders think the main thrust was coming from the south of the city when it was ultimately pummeled from the north. That operation worked wonders as Hamas did not have time to booby-trap the Philadelphi corridor, saving many IDF lives.
Several neighborhoods have now been taken, and they are being emptied of Hamas infrastructure and tunnels. These include Brazil, NPK, Shaburah, and the areas between Philadelphi and Tel al-Sultan. All told, about 70% of the city is in IDF hands.
IDF soldiers have described the NPK neighborhood as the most complex fighting environment they have encountered. The tunnels there are insanely dense. In addition, entire blocks of houses have been booby-trapped to try to cause the army maximal damage. In most cases, the IDF has successfully overcome these issues.
The IDF estimates that 550 terrorists have been killed there. Of the four Hamas brigades in Gaza, two have been hit badly and are on the verge of dissolving, while two remain in decent condition. From a strategic point of view, taking over the entire Philadelphi corridor has been the top accomplishment. It has also been done with far fewer civilian casualties than expected.
Within a few weeks, the IDF believes that Rafah will be under complete Israeli control, with all the brigades destroyed. The 162nd division is doing phenomenal work."
https://x.com/academic_la/status/1802722169585340445