After the invasion of Eastern Rafah, the IDF cut off the city of Rafah from the border crossing and cut the area in half.
International reports based on satellite images and witnesses from the Gaza Strip say that IDF forces have completed a move to encircle the eastern part of the Rafah area and the Philadelphi Corridor. IDF tank convoys are isolating the eastern area, which stretches about three kilometers from the border with Israel to the Rafah crossing.
The IDF has not yet invaded the city of Rafah itself, which is considered the last significant stronghold of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. With the completion of this move, however, the IDF began cutting off the oxygen pipeline to Hamas forces in the field, establishing control over the Rafah crossing that connects Egypt with Gaza, and allowing Israel to isolate the southern area and Hamas forces in Rafah itself.
According to international reports, early in the morning the IDF seized the main road between Western and Eastern Rafah, thus completing the encirclement of the area. In addition, IDF forces are reportedly stationed a short distance from the first line of houses in the city ahead of the oncoming operation.