Israel announces significant advances in Gaza control and ongoing military operations
According to official statements from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Israel’s military currently controls approximately 65% of Gaza’s territory. This development comes amid intense combat operations, during which more than 100 terrorists have been eliminated over the past week. Among those targeted was a high-ranking official — Hamas’ military support chief, Muhammad al-Issa. The IDF first reported his elimination on June 28. Israeli military sources indicate that al-Issa was one of Hamas’ remaining founders in Gaza and actively participated in planning and executing the October 7, 2023 attack, which resulted in the death of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of more than 250 others. Since initiating ground operations in March, the Israeli Air Force has conducted strikes on over 7,500 terrorist infrastructure sites, including weapons depots, missile launchers, tunnels, and fighters from various groups within Gaza. The military states that the operation will continue until all strategic objectives are met. Additionally, contextually, on July 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, expressing hope that Hamas would accept the deal, noting that worsening the situation beyond this point is unlikely. On the evening of July 4, Hamas militants agreed to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, providing a glimmer of hope for de-escalation amidst ongoing conflict.