(Times of Israel) Emanuel Fabian - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday that the "intensive phase" of Israel's ground offensive in northern Gaza has ended, and it will soon be over in the Khan Yunis area in the south as well. "We adapt our operations on the ground in accordance with the reality on the ground, as it becomes clearer to us, in accordance with military achievements, with the destruction of the enemy [Hamas], and in accordance with our intelligence," Gallant said. In northern Gaza, "All the [Hamas] battalion frameworks have been dismantled. We are now working to eliminate pockets of resistance. We will achieve this via raids, airstrikes, special operations, and additional activities." In central Gaza, "We are destroying Hamas' military industry, its production centers. These are the places that produce rockets, IEDs, explosives and other weapons to be used against us. The achievements are very impressive." In southern Gaza, "IDF troops are focused on the head of the snake, the Hamas leadership. As part of this action...the Khan Yunis Brigade is gradually disintegrating as a fighting force." "At the end of the war, there will be no military threat from Gaza. Hamas will not be able to control and function as a military force in Gaza, and the IDF will have full freedom of action to do whatever is required to defend the citizens of Israel. It may take a long time, but it will end with a single scenario - total victory." Gallant said only continued military pressure on Hamas would bring about a new hostage deal. "If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed for many years in the captivity of Hamas. Without military pressure, no one will talk to us. Only from a position of strength can the hostages be freed."
2024-01-16 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive