A month after suffering heavy losses in a brutal border assault by Hamas, Israel’s Golani infantry brigade has managed to even the score by capturing key locations in Gaza City. The brigade released pictures of themselves in the parliament building, holding rifles and Israeli flags, as well as posing in a police station, governor’s house, and a weapons factory. These images not only represent payback for the brigade but also raise the possibility that the operation in Gaza may be over sooner than expected. A senior Israeli military official believes they are close to dismantling Hamas and achieving their goals. Despite the progress made, the Israeli military has faced casualties, with 46 soldiers killed and hundreds injured. Experts predict that the operation will last weeks rather than months, as the IDF has made substantial progress by disrupting Hamas’s defense and clearing out their forces in Gaza City. Hamas lacks the time and resources to set up strong defenses like those seen in Mosul during the fight against the Islamic State. The IDF claims to have broken the combat effectiveness of 10 out of 24 Hamas battalions, compromising much of their fighting capability. The Golani Brigade’s victory will be a morale boost for Israelis, as the unit is highly respected and has a long history of participation in major conflicts. The military official estimates that around a couple of thousand Hamas fighters have been killed, and many are likely hiding in southern Gaza. The official also noted that support for Hamas from its usual allies has been muted due to the brutality of their attacks, which targeted civilians, including women and children. Israel’s operations will extend into southern Gaza and continue for many months, according to the Israeli defense minister. Aid agencies have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the war, with reports of a mass grave containing 200 bodies at al-Shifa hospital. Israel claims to have offered safe passage out of the hospital, but medics insist that anyone who ventures outside risks being fired upon. The United States has accused Hamas of using the hospital to hold hostages and run military operations. If a major humanitarian crisis develops in southern Gaza, international pressure may eventually force Israel to halt military operations. However, Hamas leaders will continue to be targeted, and they will not be allowed to regain power.
Golani Brigade Strikes Back: Israel’s Retaliatory Operations in Gaza Following Hamas’ Oct 7 Attack
