Middle East Tension: Israel Nearing Conclusion of Intense Gaza Combat Phase

Amidst escalating tension in the Middle East, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday that Israeli military forces are on the verge of completing the most intense phase of combat against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Advancements and Challenges

Gallant revealed that the intense combat phase in the northern part of Gaza has concluded, while in the south, particularly around Khan Younis, military forces are close to completing critical operations. He emphasized the dismantling of Hamas’s battalion structure in various areas, including Khan Younis in its northern, southern, and eastern directions. However, he warned of potential negative consequences resulting from the lack of a postwar plan for Gaza in the ongoing military campaign.

Extended Operation Needed to Tackle Hamas Tunnel Network

Contradicting Gallant’s statements, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that the fighting in the south would require more time due to the complexity of addressing the tunnel network built by Hamas, both on the surface and underground.

International Pressure and Humanitarian Challenges

International pressure on Israel, notably from the Biden administration, urges a shift to a lower-intensity war campaign in Gaza. The Israeli offensive has displaced nearly two million people and caused shortages of food and medicine. Palestinian authorities report over 23,000 deaths, with the majority being women and children.

Navigating Israel’s Stance on Gaza’s Future Amidst Biden’s Pressure

Attention is also focused on the postwar future of Gaza. Israel faces Biden administration pressure for a postwar plan, including West Bank Palestinian Authority reforms. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the Palestinian Authority ruling in Gaza, Gallant has suggested its involvement.

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Additional Events

In another development, on Monday, Hamas released a video showing what they claimed were the bodies of two Israeli men they took hostage on October 7. The video also showed the third hostage, Noa Argamani, alive.

Ra’anana Attack and Security Measures

The situation is complicated by an alleged terrorist attack in Ra’anana. According to Israeli police, two Palestinians rammed vehicles into pedestrians, causing one death and at least 18 injuries. Israel has heightened security in the region, prohibiting over 100,000 Palestinian workers from entering since October 7.

Naftali Bennett’s Perspective on Safeguarding Israel

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a Ra’anana resident, stressed the need for vigilance. He viewed the attack as a reminder of the enemy’s indiscriminate attempts to harm Israel.

Rising Middle East Tensions

In the last 24 hours, seven Palestinians died in West Bank raids by Israeli forces, escalating tensions in the region. This information comes from the Palestinian Health Ministry on Monday, further intensifying the palpable tension in the Middle East. “The recent West Bank raids by Israeli forces, resulting in seven Palestinian deaths, heighten regional tensions”, said WSJ Newspaper.