The Israeli Defense Forces are now in the control of the entirety of Northern Gaza. This was the most heavily armed part of Gaza, where Hamas had focused its prepared defenses and tunnels.
Further offensive into Southern Gaza, which is less urban but swelled with refugees, could still take place. The death toll if this would happen could be greater than before, but the military gains quicker. The Times of Israel says:
The Israel Defense Forces gave details Saturday on its ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, detailing gun battles and strikes on terror operatives as well as arrests.
Hamas, too, reported heavy shelling in several cities in the territory, hours after world powers in a UN Security Council vote demanded more aid be allowed into the Palestinian territory.
Israel is still offering to renew the ceasefire with Hamas, in exchange for the release of hostages. The Israeli Government believes that there are around 100 remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip. Fox New continues:
Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Sky News on Saturday that a cease-fire could be implemented “tomorrow” in the Gaza Strip if Hamas agrees to release the more than 100 remaining hostages in its captivity.
”We’re ready for another humanitarian pause as we did in November,” Regev reportedly added.
Time is against both Hamas and Israel. Israel is making steady tactical gains against Hamas, and could eventually conquer the whole Strip. Israel, however, is facing growing backlash in the Arab world, and the American-led World Order is rapidly facing stress in global shipping lanes.
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