IDF ground forces have completed the encirclement of the Tel Sultan neighborhood in the Hamas stronghold of Rafah, deep in southern Gaza. The operation is part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hamas’ remaining military infrastructure and to expand Israel’s security presence near the Egypt-Gaza border.
Overnight, Israeli forces launched a precision operation to isolate the area, destroy terror infrastructure, and eliminate armed Hamas operatives entrenched in the neighborhood. During the maneuver, the IDF struck multiple targets, including a key Hamas command and control center that had been used in recent months to coordinate attacks against Israeli forces.
Securing the South, Protecting the Nation
The operation in Tel Sultan aims to deepen Israeli control of southern Gaza and to prevent Hamas from regrouping or smuggling weapons through the southern corridor. The IDF confirmed that multiple terrorists were eliminated, and a significant military compound used by Hamas has been neutralized.
As always, the IDF has taken proactive steps to protect non-combatants, opening designated evacuation corridors and calling on civilians to leave the combat zone. This is in stark contrast to Hamas, which deliberately embeds its fighters and weapons inside densely populated civilian areas.
Warfare with Moral Clarity
Since the October 7 massacre, Israel has made clear that its goal is not a temporary ceasefire or tactical gain, but the complete destruction of Hamas’ military capabilities and the restoration of long-term security for the people of Israel.
Encircling Tel Sultan is another milestone in that mission—a message to Hamas leaders still hiding in tunnels or abroad: your safe zones are vanishing, and your days are numbered.
The IDF continues to operate with determination, professionalism, and unmatched ethical standards in a war it never wanted—but must win.
