Israeli troops have made significant advances toward Gaza City so far, the densely populated heart of the enclave. However, they are encountering formidable opposition from Palestinian fighters, Hamas, escalating an already devastating conflict that has claimed over 9,000 lives,
PressXPress reports.
Reports indicate that fighters from Hamas, the ruling faction in Gaza, along with their ally, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), are employing guerrilla tactics, emerging from tunnels to engage Israeli tanks before retreating into an extensive underground network. Eyewitnesses and videos from both groups have confirmed these daring maneuvers.
Israel endeavors to dismantle Hamas’s stronghold with its formidable air force. Tragically, the Israeli military announced the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel Salman Habaka, the commander of its 53rd battalion, marking a significant blow to the Israeli forces. His death brings the toll of Israeli soldiers killed since the intensification of the ground operation to 18, making him the highest-ranking officer to have fallen in this offensive, which commenced in late October.
In retaliation, Israel claims to have eliminated numerous Palestinian fighters in their ongoing offensive. As the casualty count continues to mount, the conflict inches closer to Gaza’s northern population center, prompting Israel to issue evacuation orders to its citizens. Those who choose not to comply are warned of being viewed as “terrorist accomplices.”
Simultaneously, Israel persists in subjecting the area to relentless air raids, as military officials reveal the amassing of troops “at the gates of Gaza City”. This set the stage for a potentially decisive climax in this high-stakes battle.
In a startling admission, Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hamas has shown exceptional preparation for the ongoing battle, strategically placing minefields and booby traps that have significantly impeded Israeli forces’ access to Gaza City.
Brigadier-General Iddo Mizrahi, chief of Israel’s military engineers, stated, “This is certainly terrain that is more heavily sown than in the past with minefields and booby traps. Hamas has learned and prepared itself well.” This revelation underscores the formidable challenge Israeli forces face on the ground.
A Gaza City resident, speaking to reporters, reported continuous shelling by Israel throughout Wednesday night, November 1, 2023, yet Israeli forces were unable to breach the city limits. The resident, who requested anonymity, revealed, “In the morning, we [discovered] the Israeli forces are still outside the city, in the outskirts, and that means the resistance is heavier than they expected.”
