Israel Takes Over Hamas Buildings in Gaza Strip Amidst Ceasefire Negotiations
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their advancement in Gaza, with their latest triumph being the reported capture of key Hamas buildings. Yesterday, the Israeli army announced that Hamas had lost control of certain areas within Gaza, and now, they've claimed control over significant Hamas powerful centers, including government buildings, police headquarters, and an engineering faculty used for weapon production.
As per the Israeli military spokesperson, Dani Efroni, IDF forces have taken over the 'Gizat' facility, a training ground and operations center for Hamas. Weapons and Hamas training materials were found within the facility. Additionally, Hamas military intelligence service offices, the organization's headquarters, and other outposts were raided. These locations were believed to have served as training camps for preparations for the Hamas attack on Israel a few days ago.
Israel's Defense Minister Joav Galant had previously declared that Hamas had lost control over Gaza. Subsequently, Hamas fighters retreated southward, and civilians started looting Hamas bases.
This development comes as Israel responds to the unprecedented attack by Hamas, a terrorist organization recognized by both the USA and the EU. The attack saw hundreds of Hamas fighters breach Israeli borders, committing atrocities primarily against civilians. According to Israeli reports, over 1,200 people perished in Israel, and nearly 240 individuals were taken hostage in Gaza.
Since then, the Israeli military has been targeting locations in Gaza, and ground troops have also entered Palestinian territory. Hamas, however, claims that about 11,240 individuals have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, a figure that cannot be independently verified.
The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian concerns in Gaza, with 63% of buildings being destroyed, rendering much of the Strip uninhabitable. Moreover, the blockade by Israel has prevented 83% of food aid from entering Gaza, causing severe food insecurity and potentially leading to famine.
Negotiations for extending the ceasefire deal are currently underway. Despite Israel fulfilling its commitment to withdraw from the Netzarim corridor, the future control of Hamas buildings remains a subject of contention. The deal's second phase aims to extend the truce and release additional Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure to extend the ceasefire but faces opposition from far-right political allies pushing for resumption of war.
