Israel "Control of West Gaza City... Next Phase of Ground Operation Begins"

Yoav Galant, Israel's Defense Minister, announced on the 16th (local time) that the Israel Defense Forces have completely taken control of the western part of Gaza City.

Yoav Gallant, Israeli Minister of Defense
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Minister Galant said, "The next phase of the IDF's ground operation has now begun." He added that during the raid on Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip, they discovered important elements for the next phase of the ground operation. However, he did not specify what these important elements were.

Minister Galant further explained, "The IDF's ground operation is continuing in a very precise and selective manner, while also being very, very resolute."

Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, also visited the Gaza Strip, where the ground operation is underway, and stated that the Hamas military system in northern Gaza has been almost eliminated.

Chief of Staff Halevi said, "We have almost destroyed the (Hamas) military system that was in northern Gaza. Final touches are needed, but we will complete it. We are very close to finishing it well."

He added, "The IDF will continue operations in the Gaza Strip. As long as there is work to be done, we will operate in more areas," and "We will eliminate (Hamas) commanders and members, and destroy infrastructure."

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