Israeli Military Uncovers Major Hamas Command Center in Gaza City
The Israeli military has made a significant breakthrough in its offensive against Hamas in Gaza City. The army announced on Wednesday that it had uncovered a major Hamas command center, dealing a serious blow to the Islamic militant group. The discovery comes as pressure mounts on Israel to scale back its military operation in the coastal enclave.
Exposing the Underground Network
The Israeli military revealed that it had exposed the center of a vast underground network used by Hamas to transport weapons, militants, and supplies throughout the Gaza Strip. Destroying these tunnels has been a major objective of the Israeli offensive. The army escorted Israeli reporters into Palestine Square, where they showcased the offices, tunnels, and elevators used by Hamas’ top leaders. Videos of underground offices were released, and the military claimed to have found a wheelchair belonging to Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ elusive military commander.
A Misstep and Calls for Cease-Fire
While the Israeli military celebrates its success in uncovering the Hamas command center, it also acknowledged a significant misstep. An investigation into the mistaken shooting of three Israelis held hostage in Gaza revealed that a military search dog with a body camera had captured audio of them shouting for help in Hebrew five days before the shooting. This incident has sparked an uproar in Israel and put pressure on the government to reach a new deal with Hamas.
Amidst the ongoing offensive, calls for a cease-fire have been growing louder. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel to scale back its operation and engage in more targeted operations focused on specific targets, such as Hamas’ leaders and tunnel network. The United States, while supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, has urged greater efforts to protect civilians in Gaza.
Cease-Fire Talks Gain Momentum
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed, there are signs of progress in cease-fire talks. Hamas’ top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, traveled to Cairo for talks on the war, and there have been discussions involving top Israeli, American, and Qatari officials. While a deal is not expected imminently, efforts are underway to stop the aggression and secure the release of hostages.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Tens of thousands of people are living in overcrowded shelters and tent camps, facing shortages of food, medicine, and other basic supplies. Mobile phone and internet services have been disrupted, making communication with Hamas leaders inside the territory difficult. Israel’s foreign minister has traveled to Cyprus to explore the possibility of establishing a maritime corridor for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The death toll continues to rise, with at least 46 people killed and over 100 wounded in a recent attack on the Jabaliya refugee camp. Another strike in Rafah resulted in five deaths and dozens of injuries. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll since the start of the war has exceeded 19,600, without distinguishing between civilian and combatant deaths. Israel’s military claims to have killed around 7,000 militants but has not provided evidence. It blames Hamas for civilian deaths, accusing the group of using them as human shields.
As the conflict rages on and international pressure for a cease-fire intensifies, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The uncovering of the Hamas command center is undoubtedly a significant development for the Israeli military, but the ultimate goal of achieving peace and stability in the region still seems distant.