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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/23/world/europe/israel-gaza-hamas-war.html
Israel Prepares for a Prolonged Conflict in Gaza
(New York Times) Adam Rasgon - The Israeli military, by its assessment, has delivered a major blow to the capabilities of Hamas, killing commanders, destroying tunnels and confiscating weapons. But it anticipates a protracted campaign to defeat Hamas. During the most recent fighting in Gaza, Israeli analysts say, Hamas has avoided direct confrontations with Israeli units. In northern Gaza, Hamas fighters were now operating in isolation, without support, an Israeli military intelligence official said. The Israeli military believes that at least 5,000 militants remain in the north. "Hamas hasn't been completely defeated in northern Gaza," said Col. Nochi Mandel, chief of staff of the Nahal Brigade. "We've done a lot of work, but there's still more to do." He emphasized, however, that the army was no longer encountering strong resistance. Israeli officials said IDF forces would continue to sweep northern Gaza to tamp down the Hamas insurgency for the foreseeable future. Israeli military officials have said the southern city of Khan Yunis has been one of the most significant centers of Hamas military activity. Israeli forces are targeting Hamas' extensive underground tunnel network in and around the city, and many key subterranean command centers had been destroyed. "The army is being very aggressive there without facing much competition from the other side," said Amos Harel, a military affairs analyst for Ha'aretz.