Israeli military says it has 'completely encircled' Gaza City | DW News

Following days of an expanded ground operation in northern Gaza, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said Thursday evening that Israeli troops have "completed the encirclement of the city of Gaza."

The IDF said it had also destroyed Hamas military installations and infrastructure as it advanced on Gaza City from several directions. Military analysts have assessed that completely rooting out Hamas militants in a thickly settled urban area will be a long and arduous process.

"Terrorist infrastructure" had also been targeted in civilian areas, the army said. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in northern Gaza. Israel has repeatedly claimed Hamas forces and military assets are embedded in civilian infrastructure.

Israel, as well as the US, Germany, the EU and others, have designated Hamas a terrorist organization.

The UN has called for a humanitarian cease-fire to allow aid to reach civilians. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said that four shelters had been damaged in the past 24 hours. It also said that 20 people were reported killed at a UN school in the Jabaliya refugee camp.

Hagari told journalists that "the concept of a cease-fire is not currently on the table at all."

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[sterling]

Is hamas dancing in the streets now ?
Israeli army is bringing the music and light show

[waynewilson]

ASK the Palestinians and HAMAS for proof.. like you do to Israel....

[camarasaurus]

Notice not one " Palestinian " has one word of criticism for Hamas and its activities .

[eng.luizgustavo]

It took a while, some gasps, and a few strange faces for that reporter to admit Hamas controls Gaza, and that the information, including supposed civilian casualties, is also provided by Hamas.

[muzaaaaak]

The lack of any Palestinian blaming Hamas for this war is deafening.

[Godloveseventheleast]

What was proportionate when terrorists did cross-border terrorism?

[dittspoke]

The field reporter has difficulty mentioning that "the ministry of health is run by Hamas". Lol. She is almost chocking, like refusing to say such, most likely she wants to say that the report from Hamas is more RELIABLE. LMAO.

[AnandKumar-kpbt]

First started war and when israel retaliate then crying and use victim card 😅😂

[memirandawong]

This reporter is clearly struggling to say the politically correct thing

[RorkesDriftVC]

Israel will win the war. But will they win the peace. Right now the answer is no.

[felipemontoya]

Never trust in a reporter wearing a Hijab, that’s a no brained for me!

[mhgaffney]

Reading the comments below, I am shocked as usual. This crisis did not start with the Hamas attack on October 7th. Israel has been pursuing a scorched earth policy for 75 years. On October 7th Israel got a small dose of its own violence -- blowback. I do not support what Hamas did, but an explosion was inevitable. Extremism has always prevailed in Israel. Moderates are left by the wayside. Netanyahu supported Hamas to weaken the PLO that had recognized Israel's right to exist. Netanyahu is a terrorist and a war criminal and he may well bring about the destruction of Israel.

[PS-ejxn]

Our hearts and prayers are with Israel at this difficult hour.

[bdkuiwl]

Such a BS Palestinian take on what’s really happening on the ground

[beerus]

Верните заложников Верните заложников Верните заложников Пока вы неи освободите заложников Все ваши речи равны поросячему визгу. Если вы чесные люди Все трансляции должны начинаться с фразы "ОСВОБОДИТЕ ЗАЛОЖНИКОВ" Return the hostages Return the hostages Return the hostages Until you release the hostages All your speeches are equal to the squeal of a pig. If you are honest people All broadcasts should begin with the phrase "RELEASE THE HOSTAGES"

[dperez]

Yeah, let’s protect the Arab Palestinians, they are so good and so nice, basically, innocents, right?

[AlphaNovemberTango]

Well, encircling Gaza City is the easy part. Taking Gaza City is a different story. Lets see how this goes

[jandalfios]

I'm beginning to get the feeling that after all these impressions, Hamas would perhaps have a harder time being re-elected by the Palestinians if they still had a choice ...

[teakangel]

The comment delete algorithm is getting really good

[fionnolamorris]

Regarding water shortages, sadly, water pipes have been dug up to make pipe bombs, as seen by the arsenal left behind by Hamas after their massacre was cut short by the IDF and police. Millions in foreign aid pours into Gaza each year but is stolen by Hamas for themselves.