Battling in the Gaza Strip: Israel's Advancement Against Hamas Strongholds
The tides of war in the Gaza Strip appear to be shifting as Israeli forces close in on Hamas's last strongholds in the north. This development comes as a clear sign that the Islamist organization's resolve is crumbling, as confirmed by Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi. Speaking at a meeting with Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, Halevi praised the pressure exerted on Hamas, stating that their surrender with hands up revealed a broken spirit, substantially boosting their successes .
Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant announced that the northern Gaza Strip's remaining Hamas strongholds were near collapse. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden pledged his unwavering support for Israel in its ongoing battle against Hamas .
A fierce urban battle between Israeli troops and Hamas units unfolds in Khan Yunis, the second-largest city in the Gaza Strip . Israeli intelligence suspects that Hamas leadership and the remaining hostages in Gaza might be hiding in this city. Additionally, Zachi Hanegbi, National Security Advisor, shares that approximately 7,000 Hamas terrorists have been killed during the conflict so far .
The devastating conflict began on October 7 with Hamas's brutal assault on Israel, resulting in the worst massacre in Israeli history . Over 1,200 people lost their lives in these attacks. Israel responded with relentless airstrikes and a ground offensive that commenced in late October. The latest Hamas-controlled health authority reports that around 18,000 people have been killed, and over 49,000 have been injured .
US President Joe Biden's Support for Israel, and Israeli Advancements
Joe Biden assured Israel of his continued commitment to combating Hamas terrorists during a Jewish Hanukkah festival reception at the White House . Biden emphasized that the U.S.'s support for Israel is unwavering and vowed to keep working to secure the safe return of captives and provide humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians .
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant declared that the last two Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip were surrounded and on the brink of collapse . According to Israeli intelligence sources, more Hamas fighters have surrendered recently, and the Israeli military has captured over 500 terrorists from Islamist organizations within the Gaza Strip during the last month .
Upon surveying the situation, Palestinians report that 104 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives so far, with five military personnel killed in a battle in the Chan Junis district alone . This tragic statistic raises the total war casualties to 432 soldiers, incorporating the military losses sustained during battles against Hezbollah in Lebanon and other unfortunate events .
In response to the humanitarian catastrophe, Israel has established another border crossing for Gaza aid shipments. Local authorities announced that trucks carrying humanitarian supplies, such as water, food, and medical equipment, would have access to the Kerem Shalom border crossing .
Regional and International Impacts
The EU foreign affairs representative, Josep Borrell, described the situation in the Gaza Strip as a humanitarian disaster akin to World War II. He lamented the fact that around 60–70% of the casualties were civilians .
The ongoing conflict has created a complicated picture, with both sides facing significant challenges in implementing the ceasefire agreement and addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict.
War of Words and Caustic Exchanges
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh accused the Biden administration of turning a blind eye to Israel's ongoing aggressive actions against the Gaza Strip and its innocent inhabitants. He asked the U.S. to pressure Israel to stop the violence and end its occupation of the territories .
Enrichment Data
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been fraught with tension and violence, leading to the devastating loss of countless lives. Despite international efforts to mediate a ceasefire, the situation remains tense, with both sides facing significant challenges in implementing the agreement and addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict.
The U.S. has played a crucial role in mediating the ceasefire, with former President Donald Trump's involvement being particularly significant in pushing the agreement forward . However, the deal faces various challenges, including preventing weapons smuggling to Hamas, blocking funding to the group, and ensuring proper use of reconstruction materials.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe: 1.9 million Gazans (about 90% of the population) have been displaced and face acute or catastrophic food insecurity . There is currently no functioning hospital in Gaza, adding to the desperate situation .
In response to the conflict, the Israeli military has captured over 500 members of Islamist terrorist organizations, with 350 belonging to Hamas and 120 to Islamic Jihad . Despite the ceasefire, cross-border skirmishes and attacks continue between Israel and Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Syria .
Footnotes
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