Israel reports on progress of operation in Gaza Strip
Israeli soldiers (Photo: Getty Images)
Since the resumption of military operations in the Gaza Strip (from March 18), Israeli forces have eliminated hundreds of militants, including dozens of Hamas group commanders. More than 1,800 terrorist targets have also been struck, reports the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Israeli military command reported that the army is operating with three divisions: two in the southern Gaza Strip and one in the north, using eight brigade combat teams.
The IDF press service stated that the Defense Forces, under the command of the Southern Command, continue to operate intensively in the enclave against terrorist organizations, with the support of Israeli intelligence and the Shin Bet.
It is also noted that in just over a month of the Might and Sword operation launched in the Gaza Strip, more than 1,800 terrorist targets across the enclave have been attacked, and hundreds of terrorists, including dozens of commanders, have been eliminated.
The IDF added that over the past 48 hours, military aircraft struck an Islamic Jihad weapons depot in the Daraj Tuffah area. The facility, which stored dozens of weapons, was destroyed.
Renewal of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip
On January 19, Israel and the terrorist group Hamas agreed to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to conduct an exchange of hostages and detainees.
Both sides carried out several rounds of hostage exchanges during the winter, but in March, Hamas refused to continue the process, and on March 18, the Israeli army resumed combat operations in the enclave.
At the end of March, Israel announced the start of a ground operation in Rafah to expand the security zone.
On April 17, it was reported that Israel is intensifying its operation in the Gaza Strip and creating a new security zone.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue regarding the possibility of ending hostilities in the enclave and the return of hostages and detainees. As previously reported, at the end of March, Jerusalem expressed readiness to resume the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and also put forward certain demands to Hamas. In turn, the group refuses to accept Israel's proposals and puts forward its own conditions.
On April 15, it became known that Hamas militants rejected another Israeli proposal, particularly refusing the demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, the Israeli side emphasizes that Hamas must not maintain control over the Gaza Strip in the post-war period.
On April 22, it was reported that Egypt and Qatar proposed a new deal to Israel and Hamas, which includes, among other things, a ceasefire lasting 5–7 years.
