(New York Times) Patrick Kingsley - With the Israeli military's departure from southern Gaza over the weekend, active fighting there receded on Monday to its lowest ebb since a brief truce with Hamas in November. But both Hamas and Israeli officials suggested the war was not yet over. Analysts said the war had entered a new phase, one in which Israel would continue to mount small-scale operations across Gaza to prevent Hamas' resurgence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that while Israel was still pursuing a deal to secure the release of its hostages in Gaza, it was also seeking "total victory over Hamas. This victory requires entering Rafah and eliminating the terrorist battalions there. This will happen; there is a date." The remaining Israeli troops inside Gaza are mostly guarding a supply road known as the Netzarim corridor that separates northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the territory, as well as a buffer zone Israel created along the border.
2024-04-09 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive