On Sunday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed it is intensifying military operations across Gaza Strip from north to south as part of a larger campaign to dismantle “terrorism infrastructure” and eliminate Hamas strongholds following months of conflict. An official IDF statement explained the move was part of dismantle terrorism infrastructure while simultaneously targeting remaining Hamas strongholds.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF military spokesperson, confirmed ongoing operations across multiple fronts in Gaza. IDF units have advanced through densely built neighborhoods while encountering resistance, booby traps, and underground tunnels; their aim being to dismantle Hamas’ terrorist capabilities wherever they may exist. “We are operating across the full length of Gaza Strip,” Hagari stated; adding that our goal is “dismantling Hamas terrorist capabilities”.
The Israeli Defense Force’s expanded assault follows recent airstrikes targeting Khan Younis and Rafah, two southern cities identified by Israeli intelligence reports as centers for Hamas leadership. Israeli military reports state that numerous militants have been killed through precise strikes while tunnel shafts, weapon storage sites and rocket launch positions have also been located and demolished in these cities.
Residents in southern Gaza have reported an upsurge in drone and artillery activity since Saturday evening, prompting medical authorities to report multiple casualties over the last 48 hours due to fuel shortages and damaged infrastructure in hospitals.
Humanitarian conditions remain dire in Gaza. United Nations agencies report that more than 75% of its population have been uprooted from their homes and are living in overcrowded shelters or makeshift camps; aid deliveries have been interrupted due to ongoing hostilities and destruction of key roadways.
Israel officials continue to emphasize that their operations are necessary and proportional, even as international pressure mounts over civilian casualties. “We act with precision and care,” stated Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “However, we will not allow terrorists to hide behind civilians or use population centers as shields.
Gallant cautioned that Hamas fighters continue to use hospitals, schools, and religious buildings as weapons storage or launch pads–an allegation the group denies. Hamas, however, pledged its resistance by firing multiple rockets toward Ashkelon and Be’er Sheva over the weekend; no serious injuries were reported as a result of these launches.
Negotiations efforts for a ceasefire remain stuck. International mediators such as Qatar and Egypt have encouraged both parties to return to talks, yet recent Hamas demands and Israeli conditions have thwarted progress. United States officials have acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for measures designed to safeguard civilians and enable more humanitarian access.
IDF announced on September 9 that more ground incursions and intelligence-led strikes will continue “as long as necessary” to neutralize what it referred to as Gaza’s remaining terrorist ecosystem. As troops press deeper into southern zones, conflict shows no sign of abating, increasing concerns that Gaza could suffer even greater losses over time.