Lee, Let's Go Advances to Hamas Heartland Military Zone... Over 50 Soldiers Killed

The offensive by the Israeli military, which has advanced to the so-called "military zone," a key stronghold of the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, is intensifying. Two weeks after launching a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have taken control of the heart of Hamas' intelligence and operations, marking a new phase in the ground campaign.

On the 9th (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others reported that Israeli troops, who have entered urban warfare in Gaza City, the central city of the Gaza Strip, to root out Hamas, are conducting operations in the core stronghold of Hamas known as the military zone. Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesperson for the Israeli military, stated on social media platform X that "the 162nd Division is conducting operations in Hamas' military zone in Gaza City."

The Israeli military explained that the military zone near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is the heart of Hamas' intelligence and operations, and it was the site where Hamas planned its armed infiltration operation targeting Israel on October 7. The Israeli military said, "Recently, the Givati Infantry Brigade and armored units entered the military zone to destroy Hamas facilities," adding, "During the clashes, more than 50 Hamas militants were killed."

Military authorities also explained that they confirmed intelligence materials, tunnels, weapons production facilities, and anti-tank missile launchers in this area. The Israeli military added that Hamas' largest training grounds, military facilities, weapons production and storage sites, command posts, and Hamas commanders' offices are concealed near civilian residential areas.

Israeli soldiers deployed for a ground operation to eliminate the Palestinian armed faction Hamas are walking through debris in the northern Gaza Strip on the 8th (local time). [Image source=Xinhua News Agency]

The Israeli military said, "This is further evidence that Hamas uses civilians as human shields in its terrorism," and "fighting continues in the Hamas military zone." On the same day, Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, and Ronen Bar, head of Shin Bet, entered the Gaza Strip to assess the situation firsthand.

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, said at a press conference that day, "Hamas, hiding underground beneath Al-Shifa Hospital, must be trembling in fear as they hear the sounds of our operations getting closer."

He continued, "We are developing new methods to enter tunnels or collapse them without harming the hostages. These will be improved within days," emphasizing, "We will not stop fighting until all hostages are rescued." Regarding Hezbollah attacking the northern border area, he said, "They tried to harm us but suffered heavy damage. Our air force pilots are waiting for orders."

As the Israeli military's offensive intensifies, international pressure for a ceasefire continues. French President Emmanuel Macron convened an international conference that day to expand aid to Palestine. President Macron urged, "The situation (in the Gaza Strip) is worsening daily," and stressed, "Civilians must be protected, and a humanitarian ceasefire is absolutely urgent."

More than 50 countries, the United Nations, and NGO officials attended the international conference to discuss urgent medical support and other aid for civilians in Gaza under Israeli attack. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh appealed again for a ceasefire, stating, "This war is not against Hamas but against all Palestinian civilians."

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