While the war has been ongoing for less than two months, Israel has already eliminated about a sixth of Hamas’ estimated 30,000 fighters. Hamas, however, still holds many of the hostages it captured during its October 7 terrorist attacks that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel.
Now Israel is closing in on Hamas’ “last stronghold” in southern Gaza, where they believe leadership of the terrorist organization, including leader Yahya Sinwar, are hiding. “In the heart of Khan Younis,” the largest city in southern Gaza, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman says is Hamas’ final bastion in the territory, the WSJ reported.
“If Hamas loses Khan Younis, they are done. They may have some enclaves there, but they will lose their centers of gravity,” Kobi Michael, a senior fellow at The Institute for National Security Studies, told the WSJ.
As well as its military campaign’s ground success, Times of Israel reported on several clips and photos circulating on social media Thursday showed dozens of Palestinians rounded up by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza after apparently surrendering to troops.
The men, suspected of involvement with Hamas and other terror groups, were seen stripped down to their underwear, blindfolded, and with their hands tied behind their backs, being held by Israeli troops in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya.
In one clip, a group was seen being transported in the back of Israeli military vehicles.
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