Israel "Breaking Hamas' First Line of Defense in Gaza Strip... Entering Gaza City"

Hamas Anti-Tank Missile Commander Killed
Israel Tightens Siege Around Gaza City

The Israeli military announced that it has breached Hamas' first line of defense in the northern Gaza Strip and entered Gaza City, the central city. As urban warfare is expected to intensify, Hamas is reportedly relocating most of its forces to underground tunnels in preparation for a prolonged conflict.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 1st (local time), according to the Times of Israel, Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated at a press conference, "Our forces have broken through Hamas' frontline defenses today through a joint attack on land, sea, and air," emphasizing, "The commander of Hamas' anti-tank missile unit was killed, which will impact Hamas' combat capabilities going forward."

Earlier, the IDF announced that it had killed Muhammad Asar, the commander of Hamas' anti-tank missile unit, during airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that day. This unit had been obstructing the advance of Israeli tank units, and it is reported that 16 Israeli soldiers have died so far due to Hamas' anti-tank missile attacks.

Amid these achievements, the Israeli military reached Gaza City, the central city of the Gaza Strip, as Hamas' defense lines collapsed. According to the IDF, the 162nd Division troops arrived at the entrance of Gaza City, and urban warfare is expected to begin in earnest. Major General Itzik Cohen, commander of the 162nd Division, said, "Our forces have reached the gates of Gaza City, but the upcoming battle will be a long-term operation, and there is much work to be done."

According to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Israeli military has succeeded in encircling Gaza City from three directions?north, south, and east?and is narrowing the siege while targeting Hamas' major fortresses and bases. Hamas has installed various mines, bombs, and booby traps around Gaza City, and most of its forces have moved into underground tunnels to prepare for a prolonged resistance.

Meanwhile, civilian casualties within the Gaza Strip are increasing. According to Palestinian health authorities, about 50 people were killed and 150 injured in Israeli airstrikes on that day alone. It is estimated that over 8,700 people have died and around 20,000 have been injured in the Gaza Strip so far.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.