Israel begins assault on Gaza City
(MENAFN) The Israeli military has commenced the initial phase of an operation aimed at taking control of Gaza City, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson confirmed. The plan, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet two weeks ago, seeks to secure full Israeli control over Gaza.
IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that Israeli forces are already positioned on the outskirts of Gaza City and will intensify attacks on Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, in the densely populated area. Netanyahu added that he had instructed the military to accelerate efforts to eliminate Hamas strongholds. The IDF is expected to present a detailed plan for the city’s capture to the prime minister on Thursday and has called up an additional 60,000 reservists in preparation.
Hamas had proposed releasing ten Israeli hostages and a 60-day ceasefire through a US-mediated framework, but Israel reportedly rejected the offer. Hamas condemned the operation, saying it shows disregard for mediation efforts.
On Wednesday, 15 Hamas fighters attacked IDF troops near Khan Younis using firearms and anti-tank missiles, wounding three soldiers, including one critically. The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas incursion into southern Israel killed roughly 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, of whom around 50 remain captive. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 62,000 people and wounded approximately 156,000 in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.
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