IDF deploys fifth brigade to Rafah, as it expands operations in southern Gaza city

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Illustrative: Troops of the Nahal Brigade operate in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in a handout image published May 22, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Illustrative: Troops of the Nahal Brigade operate in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in a handout image published May 22, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Israeli military announces that the Nahal Brigade has been deployed to Rafah, joining the 162nd Division which has been operating in the city in the southern Gaza Strip since earlier this month.

Nahal is now the fifth IDF brigade operating in Rafah, after the 401st, Givati, Commando and Negev brigades.

The military says it is now operating in Rafah’s Brazil and Shaboura neighborhoods, following “information on terror targets in the area.”

The IDF says that the operation in Rafah is being carried out in an “accurate manner… while preventing harm to the civilian population as much as possible, after the civilians have evacuated the area.”

Ahead of the new push deeper into Rafah, the IDF says it carried out a wave of fighter jet strikes against Hamas targets in the area.

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