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Israel’s National Security Adviser Expects Military Operations in Gaza to Continue Through End of Year

Israel’s National Security Adviser Foresees Extended Military Operations in Gaza

Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, made a bold statement on Wednesday, indicating that military operations in Gaza are expected to continue for at least another seven months. This announcement comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the region.

Hanegbi emphasized the need to “shore up our achievement and realize what we define as the destruction of Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s military and governing capabilities.” This assertion contradicts earlier projections by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had suggested that victory was imminent in the war against Hamas.

The Israeli military also announced that it had taken “operational control” over a buffer strip along the southern edge of Gaza to prevent cross-border smuggling with Egypt. This move is aimed at preventing Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups from rearming and securing the border for Israeli security.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, highlighted the importance of controlling the zone, referring to it as “Hamas’s oxygen tube” used for smuggling munitions into Gaza. He also mentioned the discovery of tunnels near the Egyptian border, indicating a strategic move by Hamas to avoid Israeli strikes.

The international community has been urging Israel to wind down its campaign and reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Pressure has been mounting on Israel, with the International Criminal Court requesting arrest warrants for top officials and the World Court ordering a halt to the offensive in Rafah.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, during a visit to Moldova, called on Israel to present a postwar vision for Gaza to avoid chaos and lawlessness in the region. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with reports of civilian casualties and strained medical and humanitarian services.

The toll on civilians in and around Rafah has been devastating, with thousands fleeing the city in the face of the onslaught. Aid operations have been forced to shut down, exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza.

Israel’s military operation in Rafah is seen as essential to eliminate Hamas forces and secure the border with Egypt. However, Egypt has raised concerns about the Israeli occupation of the border corridor, warning of potential threats to Egyptian-Israeli relations.

The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with ongoing clashes and humanitarian challenges. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians in the region.