Defense Minister Israel Katz visiting troops in southern Lebanon, December 22, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry)
According to the army, troops destroyed Hamas infrastructure, eliminated fighters, and neutralized explosive sites during the past 24 hours.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israel’s military on Friday signaled a sharp escalation in operations in the Gaza Strip, beginning with an evacuation notice delivered to residents of a multi-story building used by Hamas in Gaza City.
Defense Minister Israel Katz described the move as a turning point in the conflict.
“Now the lock on the hell gates in Gaza has been opened,” Katz said. “Once the door opens, it will not close, and IDF operations will continue to intensify — until Hamas murderers and rapists accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war, foremost among them the release of all hostages and disarmament — or they will be destroyed.”
The Israel Defense Forces said it is expanding its ground activities, with combat teams from the Givati Brigade and Brigade 401, both under Division 162, engaged in fighting on the outskirts of Gaza City and in the Jabaliya area.
According to the army, troops destroyed Hamas infrastructure, eliminated fighters, and neutralized explosive sites during the past 24 hours.
In addition to targeted strikes, the IDF distributed evacuation leaflets in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, an area where soldiers are now operating.
Military officials said the notices were intended to clear civilians from active combat zones as operations expand deeper into Hamas-controlled territory.
The Israeli military said Thursday it has secured control over about 40% of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the territory, as it gears up for a wider offensive.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, stated that operations will “continue to expand and intensify in the coming days” in order to maintain pressure on Hamas “until it is defeated.”
In recent days, Israeli forces have increased air and artillery strikes across northern Gaza. According to reports, shells were deliberately fired into empty zones to encourage residents to evacuate ahead of the planned operation.
It is estimated that between 70,000 and 80,000 people have left Gaza City over the past three days, though several hundred thousand remain inside.
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