| |

Israeli Forces Encircle Gaza’s Jabaliya Amid Continued Hamas Activity

Israeli Forces Encircle Gaza’s Jabaliya Amid Continued Hamas Activity
Palestinians walk past destroyed houses, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip. (File/Reuters)

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that its troops had successfully encircled the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza, a region repeatedly targeted in response to Hamas’s rebuilding efforts. The military confirmed that the 401st and 460th Brigades are conducting operations in the area, following intelligence reports of terrorist presence and the re-establishment of Hamas infrastructure.

The operation has been supported by Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes, which targeted key military sites including weapons storage facilities and underground infrastructure. The strikes aimed to weaken Hamas’s ability to regroup after nearly a year of sustained conflict.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense agency, reported significant overnight bombardment and numerous casualties in Jabaliya, a region heavily affected since the war’s outbreak. Many residents have fled due to the continuous air raids, leaving the area nearly deserted.

This ongoing military action is a direct consequence of Hamas’s surprise assault on Israel on October 7, which has fueled an intensifying war in Gaza. Israeli forces are now focusing on neutralizing Hamas’s renewed operational capabilities to prevent further attacks.