Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced significant progress in the Gaza Strip, declaring the successful capture of the western enclave and the elimination of all Hamas threats in that region. During a visit to the 36th Armoured Division of the IDF, the retired General assured the soldiers of their achievements.
Gallant disclosed that the IDF obtained crucial information regarding the misuse of Al-Shifa hospital during their operations. Notably, the IDF entered the hospital, neutralizing five Hamas members who had fired at advancing troops. Laptops seized from the hospital unveiled details pointing to the presence of Israeli hostages.
This development underscores the IDF's strategic advancements in Gaza and their commitment to addressing security concerns. According to the IDF, these actions aim to safeguard the region and neutralize threats posed by militant groups, ensuring the safety and stability of the area.
Earlier, Yoav Gallant had stressed the importance of escalating military pressure as the primary and effective strategy to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. This urgency comes in the wake of their large-scale assault on October 7.
Currently, there are 238 individuals being held captive in Gaza, encompassing both Israelis and foreigners, with approximately 30 of them being children, according to Israeli authorities. In the course of the conflict, Hamas has released four civilian hostages, and an Israeli female soldier was successfully rescued by Israeli forces.
Recent reports from the media have hinted at the possibility of a prisoner swap, suggesting that Hamas may be open to releasing 50 hostages in exchange for Palestinian women and children currently held in Israeli prisons. Responding to these speculations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the public to await official government announcements and cautioned against placing trust in unverified rumours.
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