Israeli forces have continued their ground operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas operatives and their underground tunnels, according to the latest update from the military. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has expanded the ground operations and ruled out any ceasefire in the ongoing war against Hamas.
In the past day, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that numerous Hamas terrorists have been eliminated, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has struck terrorist targets and infrastructure, and IDF combat forces have targeted approximately 300 locations, including anti-tank missiles posts, rocket launch posts, and terrorist compounds within underground tunnels.
Israeli tanks were also observed advancing into the outskirts of Gaza City, specifically the Zaytun district, according to witnesses cited by AFP.
Netanyahu emphasized that a ceasefire would not be considered, as it would be seen as surrendering to Hamas. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has also voiced its objection to a ceasefire.
“Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism… this will not happen,” Netanyahu stated during a foreign briefing, affirming that Israel will continue to fight until victory is achieved.
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched rockets into Israel and carried out attacks in Israeli border towns, resulting in the deaths and abductions of civilians.
Hamas had previously released four captives, including two US citizens, and called for a ceasefire to secure the release of all hostages. They proposed a prisoner swap deal that would involve the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for the freedom of hostages held in Gaza.
