Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Tuesday that Hamas has effectively stopped operating as a military organization in most parts of the Gaza Strip. This announcement was made during an operational briefing held before Israel’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in Tel Aviv.
Gallant highlighted Israel’s progress in dismantling Hamas in Gaza and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages taken during a recent attack by the militant group that resulted in significant casualties.
Gallant emphasized that Hamas has lost its command and control capabilities, with its commanders resorting to hiding in tunnels. He mentioned that the battalion structures in most areas of the Gaza Strip have ceased to function, based on information gathered from interrogations of captured terrorists.
The Defense Minister pointed out that the only remaining active unit of Hamas is the Rafah Brigade, consisting of four battalions, which Israel plans to address soon. He also noted a significant reduction in the group's intelligence resources.
Gallant described Israel's approach to combating threats as a multi-frontal battle, involving offensive and defensive strategies. He stressed the continuous efforts to prevent adversaries from gaining strength and to deter any actions against Israel throughout the Middle East.
Recent events included an airstrike on Iran’s Consulate in Damascus, resulting in casualties including Iranian generals and a member of Hezbollah. While Israel has targeted Iranian officers in Syria and Lebanon previously, it did not officially confirm responsibility for the recent attack.
Additionally, reports emerged of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that allegedly killed seven workers associated with World Central Kitchen. The humanitarian organizations involved are assessing the safety of providing aid in the region following the incident.
