14 December 2023

Israel Issues New Timeline for Takeover of Hamas Strongholds

Madeline Fitzgerald

The Israeli military announced on Saturday an updated timeline to when they expect to defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying that it would take an estimated month-and-a-half to take control of remaining Hamas strongholds.

The Israeli Defense Forces believe they will take control of the northern Gaza city of Jabalia within the next day, Israel’s Channel 10 reported. Israel is also expected to continue its occupation of the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in northern Gaza for a few more days, according to Channel 10.

Much of the residential area was destroyed during Israeli bombardment, earlier this month. Gaza’s Civil Defense estimated that as many as 300 people were killed when Israel bombed apartment buildings to eliminate a Hamas commander, the French newspaper Le Monde reported.


Suspected Hamas members detained by Israeli forces in Gaza City.

Israeli forces hope to take control of all fighting areas across Gaza, including Khan Yunis, by the end of January. The United States and Israel are reportedly coordinating on military strategies, while Israel also plans on how to move forward if they successfully seize control from Hamas.

This announcement comes in the wake of the United Nations' vote on a resolution to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen countries voted in favor of a ceasefire, while the United Kingdom abstained from voting. The U.S., however, used its veto power to kill the resolution.

Hamas killed over 1200 Israelis and kidnapped some 200 more during the surprise incursion on Oct. 7, according to Israeli officials. The militant group attacked small kibbutzes and a music festival, killing and injuring civilians.

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