The Israeli Military recently reported a significant escalation in its operations within the Gaza Strip, striking over 450 locations identified as hostile within the last day. These strikes have been concentrated against a range of targets including tunnel networks, observation posts, and stockpiles of weapons attributed to Hamas.
In a detailed account of their actions, the military specified their use of drones in the Khan Yunis region, located in the southern part of Gaza. This prolonged operation resulted in the elimination of a considerable number of Hamas militants.
Additionally, the Israeli Naval Forces have been active in targeting Hamas’ maritime capabilities in both central and southern Gaza.
The military also disclosed the loss of two more soldiers, bringing the total number of fatalities in the ongoing ground offensive, which began on October 27, to 91. The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Kobi Dvash, aged 41, from Tiberias, and Master Sgt. (res.) Eyal Meir Berkowitz, aged 28, from Jerusalem.
Recent operations by IDF troops have seen a focus on dismantling Hamas’ underground tunnel network in Gaza, leading to the demise of a significant number of militants. This was particularly evident in areas such as Khan Yunis, Shejaiya, and Jabalia.
The IDF’s 188th Brigade, in coordination with the Yahalom elite combat engineering unit, successfully destroyed seven tunnel shafts in northern Gaza. They also eliminated several militants and confiscated a substantial amount of ammunition and explosives. A noteworthy engagement occurred in a school, where IDF soldiers engaged in close combat with terrorists, effectively neutralizing them.
The Israeli Air Force, acting on precise intelligence, targeted and killed Abdel Aziz Rantisi, a high-ranking member of Hamas’ military intelligence, who played a key role in planning attacks on October 7.
Another significant operation led to the death of Ahmed Aiush, a high-ranking member of Hamas’s Carrara Battalion observation unit. He was located in Hamas’ central intelligence command center, which was instrumental in orchestrating attacks against IDF forces.
Footage broadcast on Israeli TV showcased IDF soldiers in northern Gaza apprehending numerous suspected Hamas militants. The visuals depicted several Palestinian men, presumed to be combatants, in a detained state, blindfolded and bound.
A recent conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing conflict. In this discussion, President Biden expressed his concern about hostages still held in Gaza and emphasized the necessity of Red Cross access to these individuals. He also acknowledged the breakdown of the ceasefire on December 1, primarily due to Hamas’ reluctance to release young female hostages.
Both leaders concurred on the importance of sustained dialogue and collaborative efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
