IDF Intensifies Pressure on Hamas: Over 800 Militants Killed, Gaza Operation Expands

The Israeli military reports major advances in its ongoing campaign in Gaza, with more than 2,900 targets struck and over 800 Hamas operatives eliminated since the start of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. While fighting is expected to continue for several more weeks, the IDF is aiming to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and erode its influence over the population.

Currently, five Israeli divisions are operating across the Strip, seeking to take control of approximately 75% of Gaza’s territory. As part of the broader strategy, around two million civilians are being relocated into designated humanitarian zones, including Al-Mawasi, central Gaza City, and surrounding refugee areas.

Eroding Hamas's Grip

According to the IDF, one of the key objectives is to undermine Hamas’s ability to govern and provide services such as food and civil security. Officials say that in contrast to earlier conflicts, Hamas police forces have stopped interfering with civilian evacuations, and are increasingly unable to control public unrest or prevent looting.

There are signs of financial strain within the organization. Fighter salaries have dropped sharply, with some militants reportedly receiving a mere 900 shekels (~$240) for a full three-month period.

Military Toll and Remaining Threats

Israel claims to have neutralized:

However, Hamas is still believed to possess a significant cache of weapons, including:

Aid Efforts Underway

In parallel, humanitarian operations are beginning. Aid distribution - coordinated with U.S. civil partners - is expected to start tomorrow, with four distribution centers established: three in the south and one in the central region.

Each center will supply up to 11,000 aid packages daily, enough to support a five-person household for five days. Military officials emphasized that only family heads will be allowed to collect packages in person.

The army warns that if Hamas attempts to forcibly seize aid from civilians, it could face backlash from a population already losing trust in its leadership.

Disruption of Command Structure

IDF sources say the combined elimination of senior and mid-tier commanders has deeply disrupted Hamas’s ability to coordinate military operations. Many lower-level operatives are reportedly abandoning combat zones and blending into the civilian population.

Allegations Under Review

The military is also investigating recent claims by Hamas that nine children - reportedly the offspring of two doctors from Nasser Hospital - were killed in an Israeli strike. The IDF says no such incident has been confirmed, and some of the visuals shared online may have been generated or manipulated using AI tools.