Hamas Command Structure in Northern Gaza “Completed Dismantling” by Israeli Army

KHAN YUNIS, GAZA STRIP — The Israeli army announced that it has successfully dismantled Hamas’s command structure in the northern Gaza Strip. According to army spokesman Daniel Hagari, Palestinian militants are now operating in the area without commanders, and only sporadically. However, the BBC cannot independently verify the Israeli claim of killing around 8,000 militants in north Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have now shifted their focus to dismantling Hamas in south and central Gaza.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 22,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli offensive was launched in response to a surprise attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel, which left 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and 240 people held hostage. As a result of the conflict, the territory of Gaza has been devastated, displacing the majority of its population of 2.3 million.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his focus on preventing the spread of the Gaza conflict and avoiding an endless cycle of violence. King Abdullah of Jordan also urged Washington to pressure Israel into agreeing to an immediate ceasefire, warning of the catastrophic repercussions of a continued military campaign.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to eliminating Hamas, returning hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. Meanwhile, an Israeli raid in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank resulted in six Palestinian deaths. Additionally, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at Israeli territory in response to the killing of a Hamas official in Beirut.

In conclusion, the Israeli army claims to have dismantled Hamas’s command structure in the northern Gaza Strip. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high death toll and widespread devastation in Gaza. The focus now shifts to preventing further violence and the potential spread of the conflict.