Israeli forces launch large-scale offensive in southern Gaza
The IDF is conducting an operation in the Gaza Strip (Photo: idfanc.activetrail.biz)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a new major offensive in the western part of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The operation involves intense combat actions against members of the Hamas organization, reports The Times of Israel.
In the ongoing offensive, four brigades of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), led by the 98th Division, are participating. The operation began yesterday with a series of airstrikes targeting HAMAS facilities in the area.
Israeli military aims to destroy a HAMAS military base in the Khan Younis region during this advance. The operation is expected to last for several days. There is also information about the IDF's intentions to strike key terrorist strongholds, outposts, and infrastructure in the area.
According to Israeli sources, around 50 HAMAS militants, including several commanders, were successfully eliminated this morning. It is noted that soldiers surrounded the Khan Younis refugee camp, where several terrorist facilities are located, and conducted maneuvers within it.
The IDF command also states that they are aware of the locations of civilian populations and hospitals, and the army will operate to avoid causing harm to them.
Israel's war with Hamas
On October 7, 2023, HAMAS militants launched a massive invasion into Israel, capturing hundreds of hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military operation against the terrorists, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Later, during a hostage exchange, terrorists released about 120 individuals, and Israel freed a group of Palestinian prisoners.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined three conditions for ending the war against HAMAS in the Gaza Strip.
On January 13, Tel Aviv informed Cairo of its plans to begin a military operation to establish control over the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Simultaneously, Egypt rejected Israel's proposal for joint patrols with Israeli forces on the Egyptian side of the border.
