By Yanki Farber
The Israeli military has reported significant progress in its operations across the Gaza Strip, including the dismantling of key Hamas infrastructure and leadership, with the goal of securing southern Israeli communities long threatened by cross-border attacks.
According to the IDF, operations are ongoing in the Khan Younis area and elsewhere in Gaza, focusing on the destruction of terrorist infrastructure. Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force struck numerous terror targets in coordination with ground forces. Among the targets hit were militant cells, combat tunnels, military compounds, anti-tank launch sites, and weapons storage facilities.
While the cost of the operation has been heavy—41 soldiers have fallen in the course of “Operation Iron Swords”—IDF officials emphasize the strategic significance of their sacrifice. “No one has fallen in vain in this operation,” a senior IDF officer told Ynet. “Their actions led to the defeat of three major Hamas brigades and contributed to efforts to free the hostages.”
This round of fighting has resulted in unprecedented achievements not seen since the war began in October. The IDF reports that it has dismantled three full Hamas brigades—in Rafah, Khan Younis, and northern Gaza. Although isolated guerrilla attacks continue, the group’s organized military framework has been dismantled.
Three brigade-level commanders have been eliminated, including Muhammad Sinwar—brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—who was reportedly more extreme than his sibling and commanded the military wing. Also killed were Rafah Brigade Commander Muhammad Shabaneh and senior Hamas general staff member Hakam al-Issa. In total, the IDF says it has eliminated eight battalion commanders, 39 company commanders, and 1,500 Hamas operatives.
Defense analyst Yossi Yehoshua of Ynet reported that large swaths of Gaza no longer resemble their former selves. Rafah, once a major Hamas stronghold, has been virtually flattened—above and below ground. The IDF has destroyed all known tunnel networks and terror structures in the city. Much of Khan Younis has met the same fate, with the exception of a sensitive humanitarian zone. In northern Gaza, areas from Beit Hanoun to Beit Lahiya and Al-Atatra have been largely depopulated or destroyed.
Lt. Col. David Cohen, outgoing commander of the Golani reconnaissance unit, explained the change in tactics: “Earlier, we worked in a sprint. Now, we move slowly and systematically, destroying every bit of infrastructure.”
For residents of Israel’s southern border communities—the so-called “Gaza envelope”—the difference is not just visible; it’s transformational. “The threat they once saw in front of them has been removed,” said Cohen.
As Israel consolidates its gains, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical strategic decision: expand military operations into new areas of Gaza or maintain pressure through negotiations. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has proposed a middle path: encircle and attrit remaining Hamas elements through ongoing military pressure—a move seen as less risky for the remaining hostages but not guaranteed to bring decisive results.
Israeli officials note that Hamas is likely to retain hostages as bargaining chips, betting that Israel will hesitate to resume full-scale operations
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil a detailed plan for recognizing a Palestinian state—a move aimed at easing internal pressure within the Labour Party. The plan reportedly includes clear conditions for recognition and a push to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a joint statement, the British government emphasized its commitment to enabling the rapid and large-scale entry of aid into Gaza and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
