Israel announces the end of the ‘intensive phase’ of the war with Hamas

• Israel announces the end of the «intensive phase» of the war.
• The Israel-Hamas war has been waging since October 2023.
• The Israeli defense minister made the announcement.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the end of the «intensive phase» of the war with Hamas.

He highlighted significant advances against Hamas in the midst of the conflict in Gaza.

As Israeli forces withdraw from certain areas, attention is focused on Khan Younis to the south, where fighting continues.

Furthermore, the release of hostages remains a challenge, generating tensions and demands for negotiations by affected families.

Israel announces the end of the «intensive phase» of the war in Gaza

In a statement made this Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the end of the «intensive phase» of the war with Hamas.

This news comes as Israeli forces report significant progress in dismantling Hamas forces in the region.

The defense minister explained that troops are now focusing on lower intensity operations, after «defeating all Hamas battalions in the area,» noted the EFE agency.

In a press conference, Gallant reported that the withdrawal of one of the divisions operating in the Gaza Strip has already been carried out.

What areas are still occupied?

However, there are still three divisions in the region, according to the Israeli official.

In addition, he announced that the «intensive phase» in the Khan Younis area, south of the Gaza Strip, will also conclude soon.

However, Gallant left the scene without providing an exact timetable for the completion of this operation.

Israel declared that they will continue working on negotiations.

Israel’s strength

The focus of Israeli forces in Khan Younis is directed towards what Gallant describes as «the head of the snake.»

He was referring to the leadership of Hamas, which is presumed to be hiding in the underground tunnels of that city.

Israel’s priority is to find the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, and the head of its military wing, Mohamed Deif.

According to Israeli authorities, they are responsible for the October 7 attack on Israeli soil, which left more than 1,200 dead and about 250 kidnapped.

What strategies did they implement?

Gallant detailed some of the strategies implemented by Israeli forces in Khan Younis, including the disruption of communications between Khan Younis and Rafah.

It is located at the southern end of the enclave, cutting off the roads that lead to that city, according to the EFE agency.

This measure seeks to prevent Hamas leaders from escaping and hinder their movements in the region.

As for the northern Gaza Strip, where Israeli military control is almost complete, troops are now engaged in low-intensity operations.

What is the objective of this movement?

The goal is to locate the remaining Hamas sites and neutralize the terrorist group’s last operatives, according to The Associated Press.

These actions coincide with the announcement by the Israeli Army about the withdrawal of the 36th Division from the ground, which will undergo a period of recovery and training.

This is part of Israel’s long-term strategy against Hamas, which also includes strengthening troops in the West Bank, where violence is on the rise.

Regarding the future of Gaza after the war, Gallant indicated that the region should be governed by the Palestinians, thus allaying fears that Israel could occupy and colonize the territory.