Israel Intensifies Ground Operations, No Ceasefire Until Hostages Are Released
Israel Eliminates Threats in Gaza City…Thousands of Hamas Killed
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defense Minister, takes questions from journalists at a press conference held at the Tel Aviv military base on the 28th of last month. ⓒAP/Newsis
Israel launched urban warfare in the Palestinian Gaza Strip ten days after initiating ground operations.
According to the Israeli media outlet Haaretz, in a national address on the 7th (local time), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We have completely surrounded Gaza City,” adding, “We are conducting ground operations inside and are intensifying the pressure every day, every hour.”
Gaza City, the largest and most important city in the Gaza Strip, is also a major military base for the Palestinian armed terrorist group Hamas. Netanyahu declared, “Our proud Israeli ground forces have occupied the heart of Gaza City,” describing Gaza City as “the largest terrorist base in history.”
The Israeli military entered the Gaza Strip from the north and south directions on the same day. They entered armored vehicles and tanks, occupied Gaza City, and reportedly destroyed Hamas’ infrastructure, bunkers, and communication centers. The Israeli military claimed to have eliminated thousands of Hamas members and removed all threats within Gaza City, including ground positions and tunnels.
The Washington Post (WP) analyzed, “The fact that the Israeli forces have occupied the Gaza Strip indicates that urban warfare has already begun and that the Israeli forces have gained the upper hand,” but added, “It is still too early to declare a complete victory against Hamas, which is skilled in irregular tactics.”
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also stated, “The Israeli military is wiping out terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip from all directions, including the army, navy, and ground forces,” and added, “There will be no stopping the attack without the release of hostages. The safety of the hostages is of utmost importance.”
Minister Gallant dismissed the ongoing calls for a ‘humanitarian ceasefire.’ He said, “Even international relief organizations and allies are pressuring Israel to cease fire,” but emphasized, “The battle will continue as long as Hamas does not release the hostages.”
By. Jung Min Kyun
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