Footage leaked from the northern Gaza Strip indicates that a Hamas operative surrendered to Israeli troops, handing over an assault rifle. The video showed the man, along with other Palestinians, clad only in underwear, surrendering and presenting identification cards. Israeli soldiers gave orders in Arabic over a megaphone during the incident. The surrendering of Hamas operatives has been reported in other areas of Gaza, suggesting a potential weakening of the group’s governing system in the region.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi mentioned the collapse of Hamas’s governing system, stating that achievements were being observed daily, with more terrorists being killed, wounded, and surrendering. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that many Hamas members surrendered on the same day, providing intelligence information on the group’s functioning. Interrogations revealed that Hamas operatives felt disconnected from the leadership, led by Yahya Sinwar, and complained about the challenging situation on the ground.
There are reports that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar fled northern Gaza at the start of the conflict, hiding in a humanitarian convoy heading southward. Israeli officials believe Sinwar may be in Khan Younis or one of the tunnels beneath it. The situation remains complex, with ongoing deliberations in the Israeli war cabinet about the continued fighting in Gaza.
Additionally, discussions are taking place regarding whether to allow Palestinian workers back into Israel. Over 200,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza have been without work in Israel for nearly three months due to a partial lockdown imposed by the IDF. Some Palestinians have been allowed to return to work recently, with considerations about the economic impact and potential security risks. The issue is under debate in the Israeli security cabinet, and no decision has been reached. The prolonged absence of Palestinian workers has resulted in significant economic losses and financial challenges for the Palestinian Authority.
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