Israeli Military Advances in Gaza as Hamas Fighters Surrender
As Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip continues to gain ground from Hamas, dozens of Hamas fighters have surrendered to Israeli forces in recent days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a weekend video statement, called on those still in combat to lay down their arms, stating, “It will take more time, the war is still in full force, but this is the beginning of the end of Hamas.”
Netanyahu emphasized, “I say to the terrorists of Hamas: It’s over. Don’t die for [Yahya] Sinwar. Surrender — now.”
Netanyahu’s appeal aligns with reports indicating that IDF ground forces have made significant progress in taking control of the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This includes a complete encirclement of the home of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ top leader in the Gaza Strip.
Residents of Khan Younis reported Israeli tanks entering the city center from the east on Sunday after a night of intense close-quarters fighting. In northern Gaza, fierce fighting persists in the densely populated urban environment.
As per current IDF information, Israeli ground, naval, and air forces are actively involved in combat operations across the enclave. The primary focus is on Hamas strongholds, including Jabalya, Shejaiya, Beit Hanoun, and Khan Younis.
In Jabalya, the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit reported eliminating 67 enemy combatants in the last week alone. On Sunday, the IDF announced that, through Shin Bet intelligence gathering, the Israeli Air Force located and eliminated the new commander of Hamas’ Shejaiya Battalion, Emad Krikae. The previous battalion commander was killed earlier in the war.
Since the operational pause ended, the IDF reports that the Israeli Air Force has struck over 3,500 terror targets in the Gaza Strip, with a total of 22,000 targets hit since the war began in October
