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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjnykzjmbg#autoplay
IDF Commander in Gaza: "The Enemy Has Not Abandoned Its Ambitions"
(Ynet News) Roni Green Shaulov - From the Ridge 70 observation point in the Sheikh Zayed neighborhood of northern Gaza, the view stretches clearly to the buildings of Sderot, the chimneys of the Rotenberg power station in Ashkelon, the large Israeli flag erected in Netiv HaAsara after the Oct. 7 massacre, and additional Israeli communities just a few kilometers away. No buildings remain standing between Ridge 70 and Israeli communities. Col. Omri Mashiach, commander of the IDF's Northern Brigade in the Gaza Division, said, "The enemy is weak, but it has not abandoned its ambitions. There are still attempts to create friction, such as sniper fire, explosive charges and anti-tank missiles, but instead of this happening along the border with the communities, it happens at the 'yellow line.'...If I were a resident of the border communities, I would understand that the situation has fundamentally changed. The efforts visible here can truly provide a strong sense of security. Our role is not to sleep, so residents can." As a result of IDF activity, several security-related changes have been implemented in the western Negev, including reopening Zikim Beach, resuming rail service between Sderot and Ashkelon, and removing the concrete barrier along the access road to Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Northern Brigade forces have been operating for months along the "yellow line" in northern Gaza, destroying terrorist infrastructure above and below ground in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, and eliminating any immediate threat to Israeli forces and the State of Israel. During operations, dozens of terrorists who crossed the "yellow line" and posed an immediate threat were killed. IDF combat engineers destroyed more than four km. of underground tunnel routes used by Hamas.