Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Monday. the end of the “intensive phase” of the war in the northern Gaza Stripand announced that it would soon end in the Khan Yunis area, where fighting is now concentrated in the south of the enclave.

Gallant explained that the troops were conducting lower intensity operations in the north of the sector“following the defeat of all Hamas battalions in the area”, the same day the Israeli army announced the withdrawal of one of the divisions operating in the enclave, where three still remain.

“In the south of the Gaza Strip, the intensive phase will soon end,” At a news conference, Gallant spoke about the Battle of Khan Yunis, a Hamas stronghold in the south, without specifying the exact calendar.

The minister indicated that Israeli troops in Khan Yunis are concentrated on find the “snake head” against the Hamas leadership, which they believe is hiding in the underground tunnels of this city.

Israel’s priority is to hunt down the Hamas leader in the enclave. Yahya Sinwarand the head of his military wing, Mohamed DeifBoth are believed to be the masterminds of the brutal attack on Israeli soil on October 7, which left more than 1,200 people dead and about 250 kidnapped.

“We also cut off the roads leading to Rafah. above and below ground, Gallant reported cutting off communications between Khan Younis and Rafah at the southern tip of the enclave to prevent Hamas leaders from escaping.

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For its part, in the north of the sector, where the Israeli army has almost complete military control, troops are already participating in low-intensity operations “To determine the location of the remaining Hamas facilities and kill or capture the last agents of the terrorist group,” the minister said.

The minister’s statements coincide with the Israeli army’s statement about withdrawal from the positions of the 36th Division for the period of restoration and training, as part of Israel’s long-term campaign against Hamas, which also includes troop reinforcements in the West Bank, where violence is rising.

Regarding the post-war Gaza Strip, Gallant indicated that it should be run by Palestinians, dispelling fears that Israel can occupy and colonize this territory, what the far right demands.

Minutes after Hamas released a new propaganda video announcing the supposed death of two other hostages in the bombing, Gallant insisted that Only “military pressure” will allow the prisoners to be released.

“If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed for many years in Hamas captivity. Without military pressure, no one will talk to us. Only from a position of strength can the hostages be freed,” he said.

The minister’s comments about the hostages come at a time of great frustration on the part of the families. those who believe the government should negotiate and that military pressure prevented the release of a single prisoner for nearly two months.

(EFE)