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In Northern Gaza, Israeli Officers See Tactical Success
(Ha'aretz) Amos Harel - After a nighttime visit to the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun on Thursday, I asked reserve paratrooper officers - most of whom have already spent over 300 days on duty - if the dismantling of Hamas's infrastructure can realistically be achieved. Their response was unequivocal. The IDF, they asserted, is winning the campaign, the objectives are within reach, and by the time the fighting ends, Israeli communities along Gaza's northern border will be significantly safer. Beit Hanoun will be leveled entirely. The remaining terror tunnels will be destroyed and Hamas members pushed beyond firing range of Israeli towns. Israeli military officials estimate that 70 to 80 Hamas operatives remain in Beit Hanoun, and are believed to be mostly hiding in tunnels. The fighting is largely one-sided. Hamas members surface only briefly when they spot an opportunity.