Israel continues offensive in Khan Yunis after announcing the defeat of Hamas brigades in the area

Jerusalem, February 19 (EFE).- The Israeli army continued its military activities this Monday in the western area of ​​Khan Yunis, where it eliminated “dozens of terrorists”, following Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s announcement the day before. A Hamas brigade was defeated in the enclave’s main southern city.

“Soldiers continue to operate in western Khan Yunis. “On the last day, troops conducted selective strikes against terrorist targets, during which AK-47 rifles, drones, grenade launchers, explosive devices and additional military equipment were located,” a military statement indicated.

In another operation in a Hamas stronghold city, air and ground forces “eliminated terrorists” operating nearby; While in another part of the city a drone “identified and eliminated a terrorist cell.”

Israel Defense Forces special forces also remain active in Khan Yunis, conducting “selective raids against terrorist targets, seizing weapons and directing a helicopter to attack and eliminate an additional terrorist.”

Minister Gallant announced yesterday that, after two and a half months of fierce fighting, the Israeli army managed to defeat the powerful Hamas brigade in Khan Yunis, although it still maintains a certain military presence.

“Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade has been defeated and no longer functions as a military unit,” the minister said.

Khan Yunis, the main city of the southern Gaza Strip, was one of Hamas’ main strongholds and the center of power for Hamas chief Sinwar inside the enclave, but the group’s leadership abroad is looking for a replacement. Information from Israeli Defense Minister.

“Hamas’ representation inside Gaza is not responding, there is no one on the ground to talk to,” the minister said of Sinwar. Sinwar’s whereabouts have been unknown for months.

Since Israel launched a ground offensive into the Gaza Strip, its forces have recorded 235 casualties; In addition to the approximately 330 soldiers killed, Hamas attacks on October 7, which killed a total of approximately 1,200, killed 253 and abducted 253.

Since the war began on that date, approximately 29,000 people have been killed in the enclave, while an estimated 8,000 remain missing under the debris.