Rafah Operation Analysis: Hamas was not ready for the IDF to enter Rafah. They thought that their deception of the hostage deal would take some time for people to realize it was all fake, but Israel called it fast, and the IDF moved faster. The IDF targeted the Rafah crossing and took it over. Why did the Rafah Crossing first? This is a massive hit for Hamas. First, it's their main symbol and lifeline outside Gaza; it's also a huge money maker for them; they charge $5,000 for an adult and $2,500 for a child who is crossing to Egypt, and that is besides taxes on any trucks. Many of Hama's low-level leadership were near the crossing, getting ready to flee to Egypt, but the fast-moving IDF and the total collapse of the Hamas terrorists in the crossing have them now hiding inside Rafah. This is an enormous pressure point on Hamas leadership to come and make a deal (if there is any deal to make).
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