Israeli Military Claims to Have Eliminated 50% of Hamas Leadership

July 17, 2024 TruthUSA

The IDF stated that it has targeted approximately 37,000 sites from the air within the Gaza Strip and over 25,000 terrorist infrastructure and launch sites.

The Israeli military claimed to have eliminated half of Hamas’s military leaders, with around 14,000 terrorists either killed or captured.

In a public announcement on July 16, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of six Hamas brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and approximately 150 company commanders throughout the 263 days of operation in the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, the IDF intensified its efforts across the strip in the recent days. Amid reports of increased civilian casualties and mounting domestic pressure on the Israeli government to secure a deal and bring back hostages captured during the October attack last year, the army is highlighting its accomplishments.

Hamas stated on July 14 that negotiations are ongoing with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, and Israeli media indicated on July 16 that an Israeli delegation might travel for talks in Qatar or Egypt this week.

The IDF’s statement could potentially pave the way for Mr. Netanyahu to formalize a deal. While its assessment of Hamas casualties is not quite half of Hamas’s estimated 30,000 members, Hamas has vowed to carry out attacks similar to the one on Oct. 7.

The IDF justified its attacks, noting that one strike over the weekend aimed at eliminating elusive Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif resulted in approximately 90 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health authorities, and over 300 wounded.

Reports from Gazans claimed that the strike hit a humanitarian zone intended to protect Gazan civilians, who have been forced to flee multiple times since the start of the war in October.

Contrarily, the IDF utilized aerial imagery to demonstrate that the target area was predominantly surrounded by trees, with the damaged zone comprising only a few small buildings.

While Israel has not confirmed the elimination of Mr. Deif, who has been in hiding for years, it did confirm the killing of one of his chief deputies, Khan Yunis Brigade commander Rafa’a Salameh. Hamas insisted that Mr. Deif was unharmed but provided no evidence.

One of the graphics accompanying the public statement indicated that Mr. Deif remains at large. An organizational chart of Hamas leadership labeled some, including Mr. Salameh, as “eliminated,” but excluded Mr. Deif.

The IDF explained that such strikes were necessary as Hamas frequently uses human shields for its fighters, leaders, weapons, and headquarters.

“The IDF concentrates its efforts on locating terrorists who embed themselves in sensitive locations across the Gaza Strip, including hospitals, schools, and humanitarian shelters,” the IDF stated on Telegram. “These areas are cynically exploited by terrorists who seek to use them as hiding spots and terrorist bases. Strikes against this infrastructure comply with international law.”

Hamas’ unexpected attack on Oct. 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, with militants taking around 250 people hostage. Approximately 120 individuals remain in captivity, with at least one-third believed to be deceased, as per Israeli authorities.

Violence has escalated in the West Bank during the conflict. On Tuesday, a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli policeman, causing minor injuries, before another officer shot and killed the assailant, identified as a 19-year-old from Gaza.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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