The IDF stated today (Tuesday) that its aim in northern Gaza is that "in the entire area of the northern Strip, the aim is complete clearing, that there is no more enemy and no more terrorists, not above ground and not underground. We are close to completing this mission," according to Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh.
According to Kadosh, the IDF has split Hamas' Northern Brigade in two and evacuated tens of thousands of civilians southward from the battle zone. The IDF reports that it killed some 1,000 terrorists and captured 700 during operations in Jebaliya, while suffering 19 dead.
Much of the fighting in this and other areas in the northern Gaza Strip was hand to hand or involved coping with hundreds of booby-trapped structures. Nevertheless, IDF commanders assess that the terrorists are at the "breaking point."
The question now remains as to whether the government wants to move forward with the controversial "Eiland (or generals) Plan" and force out the entirety of the civilian population of northern Gaza, as another means of pressuring Hamas into a ceasefire deal.
Tens of thousands have already been evacuated at a localized level to protect civilians from the fighting, but a complete sweep would require a decision by the political echelon.
