The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting a large-scale clearing operation in the northern Gaza Strip to prevent Palestinian militia groups from reorganizing.
On November 5, an Israeli Army Radio correspondent reported that IDF units have established positions along two corridors north and south of Gaza City, effectively isolating the North Gaza Governorate from the rest of the region.
One key corridor, secured by the 162nd Division, stretches from the Black Arrow monument near Mefalsim, Israel, to the Gazan coastline, separating Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia from Gaza City.
The IDF has announced plans to clear all Palestinian fighters from the northern Gaza Strip, both above and below ground.
Approximately 60,000 Palestinians have been evacuated from this area, with an estimated 1,000-1,300 civilians remaining in Beit Lahia, along with a few hundred in Beit Hanoun and Jabalia. The IDF aims to relocate remaining civilians to the southern Gaza Strip over the coming days.
Previous clearing operations in Jabalia encountered intense resistance, with the IDF noting that Hamas had fortified civilian infrastructure in the area.
Following the IDF’s May 2024 operation, Hamas fighters attempted to rebuild, though their efforts were reportedly hampered by lack of resources and attrition from ongoing IDF actions.
Since October 6, Palestinian militias have reportedly launched near-daily attacks on Israeli forces in northern Gaza. The IDF states it has neutralized around 1,000 Palestinian fighters and detained approximately 700 individuals since the start of the latest operations.
During this period, Israeli forces also located and destroyed about 200 buildings rigged with explosives, part of efforts to reduce the threat from fortified militia positions.
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