Hamas heads and hostages: Israel has not yet achieved these two goals

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Israel is hitting harder and harder in the Gaza Strip. According to its own statements, the army is moving closer to its goal of destroying Hamas. Nevertheless, two unachieved operational objectives are causing headaches for the army leadership.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi spoke during the celebration of the Jewish festival of lights Hanukkah about the growing successes and collapse of the Hamas government, but also reminded people to continue efforts. “We see more and more Hamas leaders being killed and injured every day,” Die Welt quoted the officer in his speech. “And in recent days, terrorists have been surrendering – a sign of the collapse of the system, a sign that we need to take tougher action.”

With the latest statement, he could be hinting at two important points that the Israeli military has not yet achieved: no leading Hamas leader has been captured – and the remaining hostages have not yet been released.

Multi-front war in Gaza

To achieve these goals, the army uses ruthless means: Israel has been attacking the entire Gaza Strip for some time. Last week, photos also emerged showing dozens of men kneeling on the ground, wearing only their underwear. They were surrounded by Israeli soldiers who searched the men. The images caused widespread outrage on social media. It was said that the men were stripped of their dignity.

According to the army, the scenes involved the men assigned to Hamas surrendering to Israeli soldiers. According to army spokesman Daniel Hagari, they are intended to reveal new information about the whereabouts of hostages or “terrorists” and to help the army with “operational work.”

Are there Hamas fighters and hostages in Khan Yunis?

In this context, the arrest of Yahya Sinwar (61), the leader of Hamas in Gaza, would have an important symbolic meaning. It was recently reported that Israel’s most wanted man escaped from Israeli security forces at the last minute.

Sinwar’s hideout is believed to be in Khan Yunis; Hamas’s logistics center and refuge are also located there. The Israeli army has stepped up its attacks on the second largest city in the Gaza Strip. This could be particularly sensitive as the hostages are also believed to be in Khan Yunis.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Hamas has recently changed its tactics. They went from slowing the Israeli offensive to deliberately defending their hideouts. Because: Hamas cannot compete with drones and fighter jets. (An)

Source: Blick