Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed the Israeli cabinet that the IDF has achieved significant progress in its campaign against Hamas, having killed or injured 60% of its terrorists in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7.
Gallant reported that approximately 14,000 Hamas terrorists have been eliminated, with 20 out of 24 battalions effectively neutralized. Despite these losses, Hamas continues to carry out sporadic attacks, with its leadership remaining concealed.
Israeli spokesman David Mencer elaborated on Gallant’s report, noting the strategic importance of Israel’s control over the Egypt-Gaza border, including the Rafah Crossing and Philadelphi Corridor. These locations have been crucial for Hamas’s smuggling operations, and maintaining control over them is essential to prevent the flow of weapons and supplies that could bolster the terrorist group.
Gallant also held discussions with Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator to the Middle East and North Africa, to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. They explored potential solutions and the progress made in talks facilitated by Egypt and the U.S. Gallant emphasized the importance of establishing mechanisms to block weapon smuggling into Gaza, reiterating Israel’s support for reopening the Rafah crossing under conditions that would prevent Hamas from regaining control and rebuilding its military capabilities.
The defense minister’s update also highlighted recent progress in the indirect negotiations with Hamas. Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, these talks aim to secure the release of hostages. Gallant noted that Hamas appears to have dropped a significant demand for Israel to commit to ending the war permanently as a precondition for any deal on hostages. Israel has maintained that it will not abandon its mission to destroy Hamas’s military power and governance in Gaza.
Overall, Gallant’s report underscored the substantial impact of the IDF’s operations on Hamas’s capabilities and the strategic importance of maintaining control over key border areas to ensure long-term security and stability in the region.
