The IDF is launching a large scale offensive in the southern Gaza Strip. Yesterday (Monday), the 98th division launched a combined attack on Western Khan Yunis, involving 4 brigades – commando, Brigade 7, and the Givati and Paratroop brigades. During the last day, 50 terrorists were eliminated in action, including a Hamas company commander planning a number of terrorist attacks against the soldiers in the Strip.
According to reports, the forces are surrounding the refugee camp in Khan Yunis, and have begun entering the area with the aim of dismantling Hamas’ military framework and the various other terrorist organizations – with some of the targets being military bases and command and control centers. This is an area considered to be the brigade’s center of gravity, and the brigade itself is considered the “home brigade” of Yahya Sinwar and Mohammad Dief.
According to estimates, the divisional attack will take place over the course of a number of days, and will include additional raids and military operations. The IDF said that they had marked out areas containing Gazan civilians to reduce harm to innocents, followed by an air strike preceding the ground effort.
They also estimated that Hamas will make an effort to pull the soldiers into traps, including abuse of hospitals. A lot of terror activity is expected from Nassar hospital, where rocket fire towards Israel was recently observed.