'We will destroy them': Israel ready for several more months of war with Hamas
Photo: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Getty Images)
The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is expected to last more than a few months, according to Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.
"Hamas is a terrorist organization that built itself over a decade to fight Israel," he stated.
According to the minister, the militants have constructed both underground and above-ground infrastructure, making it challenging to destroy.
"It will require a period of time - it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," Gallant affirmed.
Israel-Hamas war
In early October, Hamas militants launched an invasion into Israel, killing and kidnapping both military and civilian individuals. Shortly thereafter, Jerusalem declared Operation Iron Swords and began targeting terrorist locations in the Gaza Strip.
On November 24, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began for the release of prisoners. Additionally, the parties agreed to a four-day ceasefire, which was later extended by two days on the condition that the militants release most hostages.
On December 1, Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip. The country's Defense Ministry claimed that Hamas had violated the terms of the ceasefire.
The Israel Defense Forces continue their operation in the southern Gaza Strip. They have reportedly surrounded Khan Younis, the second-largest city, and even penetrated its center.
According to media reports, the IDF has also begun flooding Hamas' underground tunnels in Gaza with seawater.
