Israeli military intensifies pressure on Hamas stronghold in Gaza
As the Israeli military continues its efforts to dismantle what it calls Hamas’s last stronghold in Gaza, fighting erupted in other parts of the Palestinian enclave over the weekend, raising concerns about the militants’ lasting presence.
Close-quarters ground combat between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops intensified in northern Gaza, with both sides reporting clashes on Sunday. While much attention has been focused on the southern city of Rafah, where Israel has escalated military operations, battles in other areas have also been fierce.
This pattern of conflict has become all too familiar in Gaza, where Israel declares an area clear of Hamas only for the militants to regroup and return. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed concern that without a clear plan for governance in Gaza, Israel’s victories may not be sustainable and could lead to chaos and a resurgence of Hamas.
The Israeli military reported eliminating a number of fighters in Gaza City and conducting operations in Jabaliya based on intelligence indicating Hamas’s attempts to reassemble. Hamas, on the other hand, claimed its fighters were engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers and fired mortar shells at Israeli forces.
The situation has led to a mass exodus of civilians from northern Gaza, with many fleeing on foot, bicycles, cars, or carts drawn by donkeys. The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, expressed deep distress over the deteriorating conditions in the region.
In Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge since the conflict began, fears of a full-scale Israeli invasion have prompted more residents to flee. Despite international pressure to avoid such an operation, Israel remains determined to eradicate the militants responsible for attacks on the country.
While Israeli intelligence agencies believe top Hamas leaders are not hiding in Rafah, the pressure on the city continues to mount. The United Nations agencies aiding Palestinians in Gaza have reported a significant displacement of residents, with warnings of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if a full invasion occurs.
As the conflict rages on, essential services in Gaza, such as internet and healthcare, have been severely impacted. Meanwhile, in Israel, citizens observed Memorial Day with added poignancy this year, honoring the soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks.
The toll of the conflict is staggering, with thousands dead and displaced on both sides. The situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight as the Israeli military continues its efforts to root out Hamas from Gaza.
