The IDF is pushing into Gaza from both the North and the South, while cutting the entire strip once again into two at the Neitzarim Corridor. Hamas has clearly been shaken by the surprise attack carried out at the beginning of this phase.
The IDF’s strategy for defeating Hamas appears to be far different under General Eyal Zamir than when Herzi HaLevi was the head of the army. The airforce is pounding the enemy relentlessly from the air and even blowing up hospitals from above without using any ground forces to attack them.
So far the IDF is pushing quickly into Tel Sultan, by Rafah in the South and in the North the IDF troops already find themselves 4km into Beit Hanoun along the coast. The strategy is to control the strip in stages to give Hamas time to cut the deal and release all the hostages at once. Right now the IDF expanding the buffer zone on all sides and splitting Gaza in half. According to reports, the IDF will continue to expel residents from all the places under their control until the “civilian” populace is in one area. Anyone left in the other areas will assumed to be a combatant.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has already threatened Hamas that Israel will permanently occupy parts of Gaza if they do not hand over the hostages. The strategy is clear. With Hamas’ control over Gaza actively shrinking and humanitarian supplies cut off, they have no choice but to end the war and release the hostages on Israel’s terms. If not, Israel will take Gaza – all of it.