I recently had a chance to go inside Gaza, drive the entire length of the Philadelphi Corridor, and see firsthand Israel’s war with Hamas. Ironically, the Philadelphi Corridor has been in the news constantly this week, with the entire world calling for Israel to withdraw from this area of Gaza in an effort to secure a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
There is just one problem. Withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor would most undoubtedly cause Israel to lose the war, drastically reduce the chances of any remaining hostages who are alive to be rescued, allow Hamas to re-arm and reorganize, and give Yahya Sinwar, the only significant Hamas leader left in Gaza, a chance to escape.
Let me explain.
The Philadelphi Corridor runs east to west, and is located directly to the north of the Egyptian border, and just south of Rafah, a Hamas stronghold that the IDF recently conquered. The length of the corridor is seven miles, and begins at the Kerem Shalom Crossing and ends at the Mediterranean Sea, where the borders of Gaza and Egypt meet.
The IDF has already discovered 200 tunnels that run under the Corridor. If you do basic math, that averages out to one tunnel every 185 feet for the entire width of southern Gaza. Many of these tunnels go directly into Egypt, some as far as six kilometers (more than three miles). Israel discovered this after the Bentonite (liquid clay) they had pumped into the tunnels emerged as a lake deep inside Egypt. Even though hundreds have been discovered, the IDF estimates that there are still 40-50 more tunnels under the corridor that they have yet to find.
The IDF is drilling every seven meters (23 feet) along the corridor, and going at least 90 feet deep on every probe.
There is One Route In & Out of Gaza
Since October 7th, Israel has locked down Gaza, strictly controlling everything that goes in and out. They are also tightly controlling access to Gaza from the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring that no members of Hamas, or any arms or military equipment go in or out.
This leaves only one point of access: the Egyptian border. Some of the 200 tunnels that have already been discovered under the Philadelphi Corridor are large enough for trucks to drive through, and some even have tracks in them.
Let me be clear. By controlling the Philadelphi Corridor the IDF has finally locked down the last point of entry and exit for Gaza. Hamas is almost out of ammunition, and the only significant Hamas leader left in Gaza is Yahya Sinwar, currently thought to be hiding deep underground in a tunnel.
What Will Happen if Israel Withdraws?
If Israel were to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor under a potential ceasefire deal, there are several things that could happen very quickly:
- Ammunition and weapons would begin pouring through the Egypt-Gaza border.
- Yahya Sinwar would try to escape into Egypt, and then make a run for Qatar (he is already begging Israel for his life)
- The hostages who remain alive in Gaza could be taken into Egypt, and then to who knows where, greatly diminishing their chances of rescue or escape.
- Hamas’ allies (Hezbollah, Yemen, Iran, and others) would be able to funnel money, weapons, and potentially terrorists into Gaza through Egypt.
It is important not to believe the lies of the world governments who are pressuring Israel to capitulate to Hamas. It is also important not to listen to the voices of those who mean well, but greatly misunderstand the situation on the ground in Gaza.
After seeing Gaza, and putting my boots on the ground there, I realized the importance of Israel’s Defense Forces remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor, and never compromising with Hamas. After hearing directly from those who are actively involved in this war with Hamas, I realized that Israel will only gain complete victory over their enemies if they are allowed to fully do their job, without listening to outside voices who are pressuring them to surrender.
For those who are from the nations and are Israel supporters, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard. The time has come for us to march, rally, and advocate publicly for Israel to:
- Never surrender.
- Never capitulate.
- Never give up areas that would cause them to lose the war.
Withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor would most certainly mean defeat for Israel, and victory for Hamas. Israel must prevail.
Thanks for your article so that we could understand. I stand with Israel and for keeping control of the Philadelphia Corridor
In my opinion, it is far better to be criticized when you are alive than to have flowers laid on your grave.
Israel must do everything necessary to ensure that Gaza cannot once again serve as a base for massacring Israelis!
I stand for Israel as Our has commanded us to pray everyday for Israel the Holy Spirit has instilled in us a love for the people of Israel un like any love for a country I have never visited or hardly know that much about I just know in my heart it’s the right thing to do we stand for Israel.
My name is Warren. I am a secular Jew living near Toronto Canada. My Great Grandfather came from Russia to Canada in the late 1800’s. I am of Ashkenazi genetics. My Grandfather, Father, I, my son and grandchildren have all been born in Canada. I lived on a kibbutz for 3 months 1975 when I was 19. It was the first time in my life that I felt at home. I had never been in an environment where the majority of the entire society were Jews and I sensed my biblical ancestry and connection.
I hate war of any kind and wish there were no such thing. I dream of a future for humanity where we all tolerate each others differences and allow and encourage each other to thrive.
Having said that I am sad to say that Israel has no choice but to embrace Gaza and The West Bank and make it one Israel. Sad because many innocent people have lost their lives on both sides and it would be callous to not care.
Israel must eliminate all radical haters who’s aim is to obliterate Israel.
Israel must do its very best to cast out those who don’t want to be Israeli and lift up those who are willing to become Israelis no matter what their ethnic or religious ancestry is.
Am Yisrael Chai……..The nation of Israel lives
I also stand for Israel! The lying terrorists cannot be trusted. The world is full of antisemitism created by those who believe the lies of terrorists! God bless Israel, God’s chosen people!
My heart is with Israel. I hope they ignore outside critics and especially those who do not have to endure what Israel has gone through. Stay the course and eradicate the terrorists.
Never surrender.
I have been following news on Israel for the past 50-60 years but your reports from the region are some of the best I’ve read. Particularly two of those: 1) The number and class of cars driven by Palestinians in the West Bank as opposed to “donkey carts”.
2) The situation of deserted Palestinian villages or even Rwabi, the modern town specially built for well-to-do Palestinians.
Thanks for insightful approach.
God Bless you and the precious people of Israel.
Israel must continue the fight.