IDF Spokesperson Addresses Delay in Response to Reports of Gunfire at Aid Distribution Center
IDF’s Assessment of Hamas Control
In a statement delivered in Tel Aviv, IDF Spokesperson Major General Efi Dvora emphasized that Hamas’s grip on the Gaza Strip is weakening. He indicated that the IDF is preparing for a flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists as tensions continue to rise in the region. According to Dvora, the program for aid distribution to Gaza residents is functioning effectively, while he dismissed Hamas’s claims as “exaggerated.”
Ongoing Military Operations
During his remarks on the ongoing conflict, Dvora described the IDF’s current initiatives as part of a “broad-scale operation.” He explained that sustained military pressure is causing Hamas to lose its governmental control. Highlighting the ongoing response efforts, Dvora noted that the Southern Command is actively engaged in systematic operations aimed at both the rescue of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas.
On the 606th day of the conflict, Dvora presented a map illustrating the maneuvering of five brigades within the Gaza territory. He stated, “Hamas is losing control over the population, disseminating false information, and obstructing residents from accessing aid distributions.”
Response to Recent Gunfire Reports
Commenting on reports of IDF gunfire at an aid distribution center in Rafah, Dvora asserted, “We will not report half-truths. The incident is under investigation, and we will uncover the truth. We are not preventing citizens from receiving aid; Hamas is the obstructive force.”
Additionally, Dvora characterized the distribution of aid to Gazans as “successful” and reiterated that the IDF is preparing to handle the anticipated pro-Palestinian activist flotilla to Gaza.
Prime Minister’s Remarks on Military Operations
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip following the deaths of three soldiers from the Givati Brigade due to an explosion in the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza. He stated, “We are advancing cautiously to minimize casualties among our soldiers.” Netanyahu expressed profound sorrow over the fallen soldiers-Sergeant Lior Steinberg, Sergeant Ofek Barahna, and Sergeant Omar van Gelder-stating, “We will ensure that all of their sacrifstarts are not in vain.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the righteousness of the conflict against Hamas, asserting, “We will defeat Hamas, free all our hostages, and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Incident Details and Response
The Givati Brigade’s Rotem Battalion encountered a landmine while operating under the 9th Armored Brigade in northern Gaza, resulting in a fire within their armored personnel carrier. The soldiers managed to escape without injury. A subsequent team sent to extinguish the fire also encountered an explosive devstart, leading to the casualties.
The area was revealed to be heavily laden with dozens of explosives intended to cause significant damage, prompting engineering and bomb disposal teams to take action.
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