What it is about
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a new military campaign early Monday in the southern parts of Gaza City. The operation follows intelligence developments revealing significant Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) infrastructure, including terrorist operatives, in these areas. Israeli ground troops advanced into Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa neighborhood after an intensive wave of airstrikes.
Why it matters
This operation underscores Israel’s commitment to dismantle terrorist infrastructures that continuously pose threats to Israeli civilians. By targeting these groups, who operate from within civilian infrastructure, Israel aims to diminish the capacity of Hamas and PIJ to execute further attacks, ensuring greater safety for its population while also affecting the militant groups’ operational capabilities.
Driving the news
The IDF strategically operates in areas close to key locations like the Netzarim Corridor, facilitating control and coordination of movement and humanitarian aid to civilians. The military also opened corridors for Palestinians to leave conflict zones, attempting to mitigate casualties. The command issued updated evacuation calls to affected Palestinian neighborhoods, emphasizing their safety through advised relocations to designated humanitarian zones.
Operational progress
The IDF’s efforts continue unabated in other key areas such as the Shejaiya neighborhood. The operations have been crucial in uncovering and disrupting significant terrorist operations including underground tunnels, weapons caches, and terrorist-hosting facilities.
Broader context
This campaign gained momentum following the devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel’s actions have since been aligned towards neutralizing these terrorist threats while seeking the safe return of hostages.
The numbers
According to unverified reports from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, over 38,000 individuals have been claimed to be dead or missing as a result of the conflict. However, the IDF affirms that it has effectively eliminated over 15,000 combatants within Gaza. In ongoing operations, the IDF continues to prioritize minimizing civilian casualties and maintaining adherence to international law.
What’s next
Israel’s ongoing ground offensive will likely persist as it seeks to accomplish its objective of operationally disabling Hamas and restoring stability. As military actions progress, Israel remains dedicated to the humanitarian aspects of conflict zones, emphasizing evacuation and safety protocols for Palestinian civilians amidst striving for security and peace in the region.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.