The army is happy: at what stage is the Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip?

IDF is making progress in the Gaza Strip / Getty Images, Collage 24 Channel

The Israel Defense Forces are conducting an operation in the Gaza Strip, but it has not yet reached its equator. Its main goals are the destruction of Hamas and all its military formations.

This opinion was expressed to Channel 24 by Israeli military observer David Sharp, noting that military operations are currently being conducted on a massive scale. After them, a cleanup is carried out, potentially dangerous people are identified, and in this regard, the IDF has had serious success.

What Israel has achieved

It has been reported that the IDF has killed some Hamas leaders, and information is also emerging on other senior figures, but Israel cannot yet provide accurate data. For example, it is known that the underground bunker in which the militant leaders were located was attacked, but there is no 100% confirmation yet. Therefore, it is not yet possible to talk about the “paralysis” of Hamas.

The Israeli troops have already managed to achieve a lot, so the army is happy with what is happening. There were fears that by this time the losses would be higher, but this did not happen, noted David Sharp.

Regarding the main command, Israel has several “aces” – this is the commander of the combat wing, the commander of Hamas in Gaza. Their destruction would lead to a certain rethinking and “decapitation” in terms of command. However, in all other cases, the liquidation of members of the Hamas Politburo or political figures of this kind is important, but does not affect decision-making.

Israeli military observer David Sharp told how the IDF operation is progressing: watch the video

At present, besides the exchange of prisoners, the most important thing is the conduct of hostilities. Hamas, preparing for defense, did everything so that its defense units could operate autonomously, at the level of company, battalion and brigade commanders. They all move according to a plan that they prepared in advance, so they basically do not need orders from above.

To “paralyze” Hamas, it is important to destroy the lower and middle levels. At the same time, Israel is making progress and, in particular, influencing the defense of militants in certain places. But many key figures are still alive, so complete success is quite far away, emphasized David Sharp.

This is likely influenced by the presence of hostages being held in places nearby. As for foreign representatives of Hamas, who, for example, are in Lebanon, Turkey, Qatar, they will also be reached, but, apparently, this is not a priority for Israel yet. Moreover, their elimination will require other methods and approaches.

What is known about Israel's operation in the Gaza Strip

• The Israel Defense Forces are making progress in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said that this territory was completely taken under control. The IDF is close to eliminating the Hamas military system in the north.
• Israel has taken control of the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, Al-Shifa. It was reported that militants were hiding in the tunnels under the medical facility. There were also sick people in the hospital, many newborn children. Photos released show that due to a lack of electricity, babies were taken out of incubators and placed side by side on the same bed.
• Relatives of Israeli officials are fighting in the war against Hamas. According to media reports, the son of the President of Israel is in the ranks of the IDF, who is fighting directly in Gaza City. Also taking part in the military operation are the youngest son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two children of the head of the country’s Ministry of Defense.