What it’s about

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have concluded an intensive operation in the Jabaliya refugee camp aimed at dismantling Hamas cells, with focus now shifting towards targeting Hamas strongholds in Rafah, southern Gaza. The IDF’s operations in these regions have been marked by heavy fighting and strategic initiatives to thwart terror activities.

Why it matters

The conclusion of the Jabaliya operation signifies a crucial victory against Hamas, a major militant group hostile to Israel. Confronting and dispersing these cells is pivotal for Israel’s security and its broader geopolitical stance in the region. Despite the grave sacrifices, the IDF’s efforts underscore its commitment to maintaining national security and neutralizing terror threats.

The particulars

Valor and Sacrifice

The operation, while successful, was marked by sorrow with the loss of two valorous IDF soldiers. Sgt. First Class (res.) Adar Gavriel was killed in Jabaliya amidst fierce combat against Hamas operatives. Simultaneously, Sgt. Yehonatan Elias fell during confrontations in Rafah. Their bravery adds to the sacred contributions of 294 soldiers who have given their lives to resist terror aggression.

Operational Success in Jabaliya

Conclusively tackling Hamas’s attempts to regroup, the Jabaliya campaign resulted in the elimination of hundreds of terrorists. This mission was a follow-up to critical intelligence on Israeli hostages being held within the area. The duration saw the retrieval of hostages’ bodies and extensive destruction of anti-Israel infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons caches.

Tactical Shifts and Counter-Measures

Troops eradicated around 500-600 terror operatives, conducted over 200 airstrikes, and dismantled extensive tunnel networks spanning 12 kilometers. Both ground and air strategies were employed to ensure maximum disruption to Hamas’s strategies.

Rafah Operations

With Jabaliya operations concluded, IDF redirects its focus on Rafah, targeting what’s believed to be one of the last major Hamas bastions. Here, Commando and Givati brigades have already made substantial progress uncovering rocket launchers, tunnel networks, and weapon stockpiles, striving to dismantle further Hamas strongholds.

International Focus

While facing international scrutiny, IDF maintains that operations in Rafah are critical, possibly housing residual hostages taken during the Hamas incursion into Israeli territories. Despite challenges, Israel’s persistence in these regions is crucial in its broader fight against terror and their role in upholding the nation’s security.

Future Outlook

The 98th Division’s brief reprieve will prime them for further necessary actions in Gaza, ensuring the continued strategic pressure on terror activities. As Israel navigates through these onerous times, their steadfast commitment resonates through each operation’s thorough execution, highlighting a resolve to safeguard their national interests uncompromisingly.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.