Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported on the stark reality facing Tel Aviv’s military efforts in the Gaza Strip, stating that over two months into their aggressive bombing campaign, it has become evident that Hamas possesses an “endless army,” shattering Israel’s dream of eradicating it.
Yoav Zitun, the paper’s military correspondent, highlighted the challenges in Shuja’iyya, Jabalia, and Khan Yunis, describing the battles as slow and dangerous. Despite employing special operations by the commando unit, Zitun noted their ineffectiveness. The situation in Khan Yunis, particularly in its underground tunnel network, poses a more complex challenge.
Zitun outlined the Israeli army’s dual-dimensional mission in Khan Yunis, with a visible focus on the upper city and a hidden dimension in the underground tunnel network, believed to house senior Hamas leaders. Contrary to earlier expectations, the Israeli army has concluded that the end of the conflict is months away, dismissing any immediate announcements of Hamas’ defeat as mere illusions and mirages.
Since October 7, Israel’s extensive bombing campaign in Gaza has led to a devastating toll, resulting in the death of approximately 19,000 Palestinians and injuring 51,000, with the majority being children and women. The aggression has also caused extensive infrastructure damage and triggered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel Removes 2 Soldiers from Gaza for Alleged Theft of Kalashnikov
Israeli occupation soldiers have been removed from the Gaza battleground after being suspected of stealing a Kalashnikov rifle from a stockpile of weapons seized in Khan Yunis, according to Ynet. A soldier from the Givati Brigade was arrested, and another soldier suspected of involvement in the theft was detained for questioning. Both soldiers were taken to Israel from the combat zones in southern Gaza during the investigation.
The Ministry of Defence is now said to be examining their motives. The incident came to light after officers conducted an inventory of items reportedly discovered by the enemy in the Gaza Strip, and the weapon was later found in one of the soldiers’ personal bags.