TEL AVIV (Agencies) — The Israeli military has indicated the conclusion of major combat operations in northern Gaza, stating that it has finished dismantling the military infrastructure of Hamas in the region. This development comes as the conflict against the militant group enters its fourth month.
The military did not provide details about future troop deployments in northern Gaza. However, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the military’s spokesperson, stated on Saturday that the forces would “continue to deepen the achievement” in the area, fortify defenses along the Israel-Gaza border fence, and shift their focus to the central and southern parts of the territory.
This announcement was made ahead of a visit to Israel by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Qatar, a significant mediator, on Sunday. Officials from the Biden administration have urged Israel to de-escalate its intense air and ground offensive in Gaza and transition to more targeted attacks against Hamas leaders to prevent harm to Palestinian civilians.
In recent weeks, Israel has been reducing its military assault in northern Gaza and intensifying its offensive in the south. This is where the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians are concentrated in smaller areas, facing a humanitarian crisis while under the bombardment of Israeli airstrikes.