In a bold statement on Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that Hamas has lost control of the Gaza Strip after 16 years. This comes in the midst of continued clashes between Israel and Hamas, with retaliatory actions being taken by both parties since the October 7th attack by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently expressed the goal of eliminating Hamas.
Reports suggest that Israeli forces managed to reach significant internal areas of Gaza. According to the AFP news agency, Gallant claims that Hamas has lost control over the territory it ruled for 16 years. In a video broadcast, Gallant stated, "Hamas has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing south. The general public is looting Hamas's assets." However, no evidence has been presented to support this claim, leaving the assertion unverified.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has also hinted at gaining control over Gaza after the conflict. While no concrete proof has been provided, both political and military leaders in Israel are expressing confidence in diminishing Hamas's influence.
Since the conflict began on October 7th, the death toll among Palestinians in Gaza has risen to 11,180. Ismael Al-Thawabteh, the director of Gaza's government media office, reported in a press conference at Shifa Medical Complex that among the casualties were 4,609 children and 3,100 women. Additionally, over 28,000 others were injured. The shortage of fuel, necessary for operating generators due to Israeli attacks, has led to the closure of 22 hospitals and 49 health centers in Gaza.
Al-Thawabteh accused Israel of targeting the intensive care unit, surgical building, and maternity ward of Shifa Medical Complex. He called for immediate global efforts to halt the conflict, bring humanitarian aid, and ensure the supply of all essential resources, including fuel, to the people of Gaza.
The recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7th when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and engaging in incursions into Israeli territory. In response, Israel carried out airstrikes on Gaza, involving both aerial and ground operations, including blockades.
As the conflict continues, the international community is urging an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population. The United Nations and various nations are calling for a cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation in the Israel-Gaza conflict remains volatile, with conflicting reports from both sides. The impact on civilians, especially the rising death toll and injuries, underscores the urgent need for international intervention to bring about a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis.
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