Israeli army claims to establish 'operational control' over Hamas stronghold in Gaza City

Israeli soldiers, tanks, howitzers and armored vehicles are seen as Israeli military mobility continues on the Gaza border, in Nahal Oz, Israel on December 13, 2023 [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli army on Thursday claimed its forces established full “operational control” over Shejaiya neighbourhood, a Hamas stronghold, in eastern Gaza City, Anadolu Agency reports.

The army said its forces had completed dismantling the group’s “core capabilities” in the area.

Over the past few weeks, the neighbourhood saw fierce clashes between the Israeli army and fighters of Al-Qassam fighters, the armed wing of Hamas.

The Israeli army bulldozed and detonated much of the neighbourhood’s areas and buildings, according to footages shared by Israeli soldiers on social media.

The military, however, said the forces will continue to carry out limited operations inside the neighbourhood to destroy what it said was remaining infrastructure of the Palestinian group.

More than 90% of the territory’s population has been displaced, while 60% of the infrastructure destroyed or damaged, according to UN agency for refugees.

Nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas offensive.

READ: Netanyahu vows to continue war on Gaza until all Israeli goals achieved

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