Israel Battles Hamas Battalion in Gaza City

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed Hamas terrorist infrastructure in the Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods of Gaza City on December 28, according to the IDF. The area includes one of Hamas’s last battalions in northern Gaza. The Israeli air force also struck a site used to launch anti-tank missiles. Israel has defeated Hamas battalions in many parts of northern Gaza, such as the Jabalya neighborhood near Gaza City.  

Expert Analysis

“Defeating Hamas throughout Gaza is essential to bringing peace and security to Israel. Hamas has thousands of fighters that continue to threaten Israel in neighborhoods in southern and central Gaza. Hamas continues to operate from tunnels and hide behind civilian human shields. It is essential that the IDF have the time to complete its operations throughout Gaza.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Although the IDF has shown progress in dismantling Hamas and its allies in the northern Gaza Strip, it is clear that it is a slow and methodical process. This suggests that the military operations in southern Gaza, particularly around Khan Yunis, may also require several months of sustained effort to accomplish the desired Israeli military objectives.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Israel Expands Operations to New Areas of Southern Gaza

Israel expanded operations into new areas in southern Gaza, the IDF said on December 27. “In the south, our forces are fighting in several key areas in Gaza: One [is] in the area called al-Burj, an area in the central camps in which we are on the third day of strikes, eliminating many terrorists and destroying terrorist infrastructure,” noted IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. The IDF also moved to target more areas of Khan Yunis. In addition, the IDF began operations in Khibat Ikhza’a, a village near the border with Israel. Hagari said the village was an area terrorists used as a staging ground to attack Israel on October 7.

Hamas Rocket Fire Reduced

Hamas rocket fire has declined since December 25. In the afternoon of December 28, sirens sounded in two communities on the Gaza border, after almost 24 hours without sirens. On December 27, sirens sounded in Kissufim, a community on the Gaza border. However, Hamas rocket fire did not target any major cities in Israel on December 27, and the terrorist group fired rockets and mortars only near the border. 

Related Analysis

“Israeli Forces Move on Central Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Authorities Foil Weapons Shipment from Turkey to West Bank,” FDD Flash Brief

“United Nations Security Council Passes Israel Resolution,” FDD Flash Brief