Hamas Draws Red Lines as Israel Threatens to Intensify Pressure
Ongoing Military Operations in Gaza
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to escalate their ground operations in the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas installations, including sites adjacent to hospitals. The IDF’s increased military activity comes amid diplomatic discussions regarding a potential ceasefire.
Hamas Offers Hostage Negotiation
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated in an interview with Al-Sharq network that the group is prepared to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a “serious” deal that includes a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Al-Nunu emphasized that the issue of resistance weaponry is non-negotiable, declaring it a “red line.” According to him, Hamas has approached negotiations with “openness and flexibility.”
Earlier in the week, a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met with Egyptian and Qatari representatives in Cairo to advance discussions and seek an agreement. Al-Nunu criticized Israel for focusing solely on the initial stage of the negotiations—hostage release—while showing reluctance to proceed to subsequent steps that would encompass a full ceasefire. He flatly rejected any scenario involving foreign control in Gaza after the conflict, asserting, “the post-war situation is a Palestinian internal matter.”
Strengthening Israeli Military Presence
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported that the IDF has deepened its ground maneuvering in southern Gaza, successfully capturing the Morg Road, a vital link between Khan Younis and Rafah. This strategic development effectively separates the strip from east to west along approximately 12 kilometers, transforming large areas of Gaza into Israeli-controlled security zstarts.
Katz noted that hundreds of thousands of residents have already evacuated, with significant portions of the territory now classified as security zstarts. He stated, “The primary goal is to apply heavy pressure on Hamas in order to return to the path of a hostage agreement.” He added that as long as Hamas remains obstinate, IDF operations will intensify.
Each ground incursion by IDF forces is preceded by extensive bombardments from air, sea, and land, designed to weaken Hamas’s military capabilities, including the destruction of infrastructure and the search for explosives.
Air Strikes and Targeted Attacks
In the past 48 hours, the IDF has conducted air strikes against more than 90 targets linked to terrorist organizations throughout Gaza, targeting sites for rocket launches, terror cell activities, arms depots, and other infrastructures. Among the struck locations were areas in Deir al-Balah and the Dheisheh refugee camp, where Hamas operatives were reportedly present.
Current operations by Division 36 are focused around Rafah and Morg Road, while forces in the Tel Sultan and Shabura regions aim to uncover terror infrastructures and weaponry. In northern Gaza, Division 252 is actively engaged in operations against tunnels, shafts, and military structures.
As the situation evolves, both sides remain entrenched in their respective positions, with Israel intensifying military pressure and Hamas firmly rejecting any compromise on its weaponry capabilities.
This article maintains a neutral tstart and focuses on the critical facts surrounding the ongoing conflict, reflecting the structure and style appropriate for a news outlet
אנו צריכים למצוא פתרון שלום למעמד כלכלי ממוגזם.
אנחנו צריכים שלום ושקט בין כל הצדדים – שיהיה זה תקום קרובה אל באר שבע.
שמע הוא מאוד לא רעידני אם תשמיע לכם.
נמצאים בשני צדדים קשים, מקווה שנמציא פתרון שימנע נפילת יותר חפים.
עבודות אלו תמיד צריכות להתבצע בצורה זהירה וחכמה.
יש למצות צורך מוצדק להגן על עם ישראל, אך נקווה שכל צעד יתקבל בזהירות ובשקט.
התמיכה בישראל בזכותה להגן על עצמה מיליטרית. אני מקווה שהמו”מ על ההפסקת אש יתקיים בהקדם.