Tel Aviv, Israel

The Israeli army on Wednesday (May 29) claimed that it had gained "operational control" over the strategic Philadelphi corridor along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The move coincided with a top Israeli security official statement that the war could go on until the year's end. 

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A military official told reporters on condition of anonymity that Israel has "established operational control" over the 14-kilometre (8.5-mile) corridor. 

Israel has been continuing with its offensive assault on Gaza's far south as the humanitarian situation in the Strip deteriorates at an alarming rate. 

Also read: IDF claims hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area 

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The seizure came just a few weeks after Israeli forces took control of Egypt's Rafah border crossing on May 7. The corridor was previously operated as a buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt. 

Notably, Israeli troops patrolled it until 2005, when they were removed as part of a larger withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. However, there were fears since then that the corridor was being used to channel weapons to armed groups in the Palestinian territory. 

Also read: Nikki Haley writes 'Finish Them' on Israeli shell amid outrage over Rafah assault 

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'War will continue until early 2025' 

A top Israeli security official said Wednesday the war against Hamas in Gaza could go on until the year's end to achieve the aim of destroying the Palestinian militant group. 

"We may have another seven months of fighting to consolidate our success and achieve what we have defined as the destruction of Hamas's power and military capabilities," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. 

Watch: Did Israel spy on ICC prosecutor? 

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"Victory for us means destroying Hamas's military capabilities, bringing back all the hostages and ensuring that at the end of the war there are no more threats from Gaza," he said. 

"In other words no more Iranian-funded terrorist armies on our border," Hanegbi told public broadcaster Kan, speaking from Cyprus. 

The official also said that discussions were underway over Gaza's post-war future. He said, "We are trying to plan what will happen after the war, so that the Palestinians will be responsible for their own lives. We will be responsible for Israel's security but we don't want to rule in Gaza." 

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 

(With inputs from agencies)