Israel Signals Victory in Northern Gaza, Moving Focus to Central and Southern Areas
Israel’s military has announced the completion of major combat operations in northern Gaza, shifting its focus to the central and southern parts of the territory. This move marks a significant milestone in the ongoing war with Hamas.
The decision comes as Israel faces pressure from the Biden administration to wind down its aggressive offensive in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Qatar as a key mediator, has urged Israel to transition to more targeted attacks against Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to eliminating Hamas, securing the return of Israeli hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel’s security.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas was sparked by a violent attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7th. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory campaign that has tragically claimed the lives of over 22,800 Palestinians and injured more than 58,000.
Recent airstrikes have drawn international condemnation for causing the deaths of journalists and innocent civilians. Al Jazeera has strongly condemned these attacks and called for accountability from the International Criminal Court and human rights organizations.
Protection of health workers across Gaza has become a priority as the conflict continues. The World Health Organization has called for their safety amid the ongoing violence.
While major combat operations in northern Gaza may have concluded, sporadic fighting and rocket launches from the area are expected to persist. Israel’s military emphasizes the presence of Hamas militants without hierarchical command structures in the region.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the central and southern parts of Gaza, with urban refugee camps housing armed gunmen being targeted. The military has also discovered an extensive network of underground tunnels in Khan Younis. Israeli officials have indicated that the fighting may continue beyond the fourth month of the war, potentially lasting until 2024.
Providing humanitarian aid to Gaza remains a challenge, with Israeli inspections causing delays and the rejection of critical supplies seemingly at random, according to U.S. senators.
The question of who will govern Gaza after the war remains contentious. The idea of the reformed Palestinian Authority assuming control faces resistance from Israel.
Cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah has further complicated the situation, straining diplomatic efforts in the region.
The completion of major combat operations in northern Gaza marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the situation remains complex, with concerns over civilian casualties, humanitarian aid delivery, and the future governance of Gaza. As the world watches, the focus now shifts to the central and southern areas, where the battle against Hamas continues.
