IDF's Strategic Operations Against Hamas in Gaza
Nine months into the conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The IDF has made significant progress in targeting Hamas' infrastructure, operatives, and command centers. The primary focus has been on destroying smuggling tunnels, controlling strategic locations, and eliminating key terrorist figures.
Progress in Tunnel Destruction
The IDF has identified and destroyed over 3,357 tunnels and shafts, including more than 20 smuggling tunnels under the Philadelphia axis. This underground network, which has been a critical asset for Hamas for about twenty years, is considered the center of gravity for the terrorist organization. The extensive damage to these tunnels has forced top Hamas leaders like Muhammad Daf and Rafe Salama to emerge from their underground hideouts.
High-Profile Eliminations and Ongoing Threats
To date, the IDF has killed approximately 14,000 Hamas terrorists, including six brigade commanders, 22 battalion commanders, and 148 company commanders. Despite these losses, Hamas remains determined to continue its fight, with ongoing efforts to recruit new operatives and rebuild its infrastructure. The IDF has also thwarted several attack plots, including the use of remotely manned aircraft with explosive warheads.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The IDF acknowledges that the conflict is far from over, with certain areas like Nuziarat, Muassi, and parts of Deir-Balach, Khan Yunis, and Rafah still not fully maneuvered. As negotiations for the release of abductees continue, the IDF expects the fighting to persist at the current intensity unless directed otherwise by political leaders. The process of locating and destroying all tunnels, particularly in the Philadelphia axis, is anticipated to be lengthy and complex.
