IDF Soldiers Engage in Close Combat Battles with Hamas Militants in Gaza City as Part of Larger Operation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported that its soldiers are engaging in close combat battles with Hamas militants in Gaza City as part of a larger operation in the strip. According to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, the soldiers are making progress in their mission and have been able to collapse Hamas defense lines and take control of central areas in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Hagari said that Israeli forces had targeted Hamas posts where militants had been shooting mortar rockets toward Israel and that IDF soldiers “had fought against a several hour battle overnight with air defenses offering support.” He added that the operation was progressing “as planned.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of Americans are reportedly set to depart Gaza and cross the border into Egypt. The situation in Gaza has been tense since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with both sides exchanging fire and causing civilian casualties.

The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the violence and has urged both sides to enter into negotiations. The international community has also called for a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the people of Gaza.

The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for more than a week and shows no signs of abating. It is unclear how long the IDF operation will continue and what the outcome will be. For now, the IDF is continuing to press forward in its mission to take control of the area.