Israel announced the arrest of more than a hundred Hamas terrorists at the Naser Hospital in southern Gaza

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The Israeli Army has completed a two-week “selective incursion” into the northern Gaza Strip, regaining “operational control” in the area following clashes with Hamas militants, the army announced Thursday.

During the incursion, more than 100 terrorists were detained at the Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis, and Israeli forces reported neutralizing several terrorists and seizing explosives during their operations. The military also carried out attacks targeting terrorists attempting to launch rockets and other Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave.

This offensive follows attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, which left 1,200 dead and 240 wounded in Israel, resulting in the launch of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. This offensive has left nearly 28,800 Palestinians dead, according to Gazan authorities, and has led to concerns from world leaders about the safety of civilians in the area.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the army is “deeply planning” a military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, signaling a determination to press ahead despite international concern over the safety of Palestinians seeking refuge in the area.

US President Joe Biden has urged Israel not to carry out the operation without a “credible” plan to protect civilians and to focus instead on a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Egypt has expressed concern that an operation in Rafah could threaten diplomatic relations between the countries.

Gallant claims that Israel has inflicted heavy losses on Hamas during the ongoing conflict and that Rafah is the next target for military operations. However, Palestinians and international aid agencies argue that there is nowhere safe for civilians to seek refuge as Israel has carried out attacks in areas where it had previously directed civilians to go.

The Israeli military launched its war in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of 250 hostages. The offensive has caused widespread destruction, displaced nearly 80% of the population, and triggered a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.