Rafah, located at the southernmost tip of the Gaza Strip, has long been a key player in the region's geopolitics. As the last stronghold of Hamas, the city’s strategic value has remained central to the unfolding Gaza War and will continue to be vital in shaping the future of the conflict.

Rafah’s historical and contemporary importance underscores why maintaining control over the city will be crucial for Israel’s long-term security.

A city shaped by history

Rafah's modern history has been marked by geopolitical divisions. In 1906, the British drew a border dividing the city between British and Ottoman territories, creating an unstable foundation that would persist. Following the UN Partition Plan of 1947, Rafah was assigned to Arab territories and fell under Egyptian control after Israel’s War of Independence.

However, Egypt never annexed Rafah, leaving the city politically uncertain. This fractured identity deepened after the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured the city. The 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt reinstated the 1906 border, dividing Rafah between Gaza and Egypt, with the creation of the Philadelphi Corridor — a militarized zone notorious for smuggling and militant activity. The zone then became a vital junction for Hamas’ operations.

Rafah’s strategic importance

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