An artillery unit fires towards Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel, February 4, 2024. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group, has continued its attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza City and Khan Younis despite recent military operations by Israeli troops. The ongoing conflict, which began nearly four months ago following a cross-border rampage by Hamas militants, has resulted in persistent fighting in these areas of the Gaza Strip.
During a weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that 17 of Hamas’ 24 combat battalions have been dismantled, with the remaining primarily located in the southern Gaza Strip, particularly in Rafah near the Egyptian border. Netanyahu indicated the intention to address these remaining battalions as well.
The potential military push into Rafah has raised concerns among Palestinian civilians who have sought refuge in the area. Egypt has expressed its reluctance to admit any influx of Palestinian refugees, aiming to prevent permanent displacement.
Reports from Palestinians cite Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes in Rafah, resulting in casualties including two girls. Palestinian health officials also reported fatalities from Israeli airstrikes in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces have conducted partial pullouts from Gaza City in recent weeks, allowing some residents to return. However, they have since initiated incursions described by Netanyahu as “mopping-up operations.” Air strikes before dawn on Sunday targeted multi-storey buildings and reportedly killed seven Hamas gunmen in northern Gaza.
In Khan Younis, Israeli shelling overnight led to casualties, including three Palestinians. Troops seized a Hamas compound and engaged in street fighting, with Netanyahu stating that Israeli forces were neutralizing Hamas tunnels in the area.
According to Gaza health authorities, over 27,300 Palestinians have been confirmed killed since the conflict began, with a significant proportion being women and children. Israel reports having targeted approximately 10,000 Hamas militants in its campaign against the group, which it accuses of orchestrating the October 7 attack that initiated the conflict.
Efforts to negotiate a truce are underway, mediated by Egypt and Qatar and backed by the United States. Hamas has demanded an end to the war, while Israel considers a temporary truce but rejects a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed ceasefire efforts and humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.
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