IDF Announces Third Phase of Ground Operation in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces have announced the third stage of its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, a development conveyed by the Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, through the army press service. In remarks that were carried by the military channel, Halevi outlined the current phase and the strategic aims guiding the operation as it enters a new chapter after more than two months of conflict. He emphasized that, sixty days after the onset of hostilities, troops have established increasing pressure in the Khan Younis region in the southern part of Gaza, asserting that the force deployment is now concentrated in this densely populated area as part of the broader ground campaign. Khan Younis, described as the largest city in southern Gaza, has long been a focal point of fighting and humanitarian concern due to its proximity to major supply routes and its dense civilian population. The statement also noted that Israeli forces are intensifying their positions in the northern portion of the Gaza Strip, signaling a multi-front effort intended to disrupt militant networks and protect nearby Israeli communities. Halevi claimed that a significant portion of Hamas militants, including several senior commanders, had been neutralized in recent days. He described the current phase as a transition into more expansive land operations aimed at undermining the organizational structure of the Hamas presence in the area. The remarks referenced a shift in tempo and method, with ground forces advancing into central Khan Younis and establishing stronger footholds in surrounding districts to facilitate subsequent operations. In related developments, a separate briefing from the Israeli defense apparatus indicated that, after 07:00 Moscow time on the day in question, Hamas conducted strikes against more than two hundred targets within the Gaza Strip. Officials noted that the Israeli military was assessing the situation and considering contingencies, including the possible flooding of underground tunnel networks where fighters from Hamas are believed to take shelter. These tunnels have long been a strategic concern for both sides, shaping the tactical calculus of the conflict. The broader international discourse surrounding the events has continued to include scrutiny from various political bodies, with debates focusing on the methods employed by Israel in its campaign against Hamas and the resulting humanitarian implications for Gaza’s civilian population. Observers in several capitals have urged restraint and called for adherence to international law, while describing the operational realities faced by both sides in a densely populated urban environment. These developments underscore the evolving nature of the conflict, where military actions interact with political dynamics, humanitarian concerns, and regional security interests. Authorities in Jerusalem have reiterated their position that military objectives are aimed at degrading Hamas’s capacity to wage war, while humanitarian considerations remain a priority for aid organizations and international partners seeking to prevent a broader collapse of civilian life in Gaza. The situation continues to unfold with regular updates from official sources and a steady stream of analysis from experts tracking the trajectory of the campaign and its regional ramifications.