JERUSALEM. The Israeli military has indicated the completion of major combat operations in northern Gaza, announcing the dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure in the region as the war against the militant group enters its fourth month on Sunday.
The military did not provide details on troop deployments in northern Gaza going forward. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the military’s spokesman, stated late Saturday that forces would “continue to deepen the achievement” in the region, strengthen defenses along the Israel-Gaza border fence, and shift focus to the central and southern parts of the territory.
The announcement precedes the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel. Blinken, currently in Qatar, a key mediator, has urged Israel to scale down its intense air and ground offensive in Gaza. The Biden administration advocates for more targeted attacks against Hamas leaders to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.
The conflict originated from Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, and 250 people taken hostage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war would persist until the objectives of eliminating Hamas, securing the return of Israel’s hostages, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel are achieved. He stated, “This is our responsibility, and this is the obligation of all of us,” addressing his Cabinet.
According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israel’s retaliation has led to over 22,800 Palestinian deaths and more than 58,000 injuries. The count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, with health officials noting that about two-thirds of the casualties are women and minors. Israel attributes civilian casualties to Hamas operating in densely populated residential areas.
On Sunday, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received 18 bodies, including 12 children, from an Israeli strike late Saturday. Another airstrike near Rafah killed two journalists, including Hamza Dahdouh, the son of Al Jazeera’s chief correspondent in Gaza.
Al Jazeera condemned the killings, urging the International Criminal Court and human rights groups to hold Israel accountable. The ongoing conflict has seen the death toll rise, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Israeli forces continue their advance into the central city of Deir al-Balah. Residents received warnings to evacuate, and the international medical charity Doctors Without Borders is evacuating its staff and families from Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital.
Hagari acknowledged the expectation of scattered fighting in northern Gaza and sporadic rocket launches towards Israel. He noted the presence of Hamas militants without a defined structure or commanders.
The military spokesman highlighted the discovery of an “underground city of sprawling tunnels” beneath Khan Younis. Israeli political leaders and Hagari have indicated that the conflict will persist throughout 2024, with a different approach in the south compared to the heavy bombardment and ground combat witnessed in northern Gaza.
Amid U.S. appeals to de-escalate combat, Blinken emphasizes the need for increased aid to Gaza and urges Israeli leaders to outline a post-war vision for the region. Disagreements persist between the Biden administration and Netanyahu regarding the administration of Gaza after the war.
The recent escalation of cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah adds complexity to regional dynamics. Hezbollah labeled Saturday’s rockets as an “initial response” to the targeted killing of a top Hamas leader in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut, presumed to be carried out by Israel.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
