Israel plans to conduct a clearing operation in the northern Gaza Strip within the next few weeks, according to a major international report. The timing outlined suggests a continuation of the broader campaign in the enclave while the south remains under consideration for a separate phase of activity.
The report notes that Israeli officials have advised awaiting a window of a few more weeks for clearance operations in the north before moving to a distinct phase in southern Gaza and potentially expanding the overall offensive. This framing points to a staggered approach, with northern operations preceding additional steps in other sectors.
Earlier statements from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant indicated that troops had already moved on to clear and secure the western portion of Gaza City. According to the minister, the IDF is transitioning to the next phase of its Gaza operations. He also alluded to progress in locating and potentially releasing hostages held in the territory, noting that advancing into the Gaza Strip might improve the prospects for hostage recovery.
Reports also described the IDF gaining control over a coastal port facility in Gaza that has been used by Hamas for militant activities, marking a tactical development in the effort to disrupt militant operations in the area.
The current escalation follows a wave of violence earlier in the month, when thousands of Hamas militants crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip in what was described as a large-scale operation. In response, a senior Israeli official declared that the country was at war.
Former government leadership in Israel voiced strong commitments to defeating Hamas, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the conflict and the broader security implications for the region.