Despite 70,000 troops, Israel confesses Hamas still standing strong

According to Israel’s Channel 7 television, after seven days into the second phase of the “Gideon’s Chariots” operation in Gaza, the Israeli army once again acknowledged that it has not succeeded in overcoming Hamas.

The report added that alongside intensifying air and ground assaults in Gaza, the army is trying to pressure Hamas into releasing captives without conceding in ceasefire negotiations. Yet, senior security and military officials of the regime continue to admit that they have failed to alter the resistance’s position.

This comes as 70,000 Israeli soldiers are operating in Gaza City, with artillery, air, and naval bombardments targeting residential buildings and vital infrastructure across the Strip.

In parallel with the military campaign in Gaza City, the occupiers have displaced nearly 550,000 civilians under pressure and attacks.

In this context, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed political leaders last week that Hamas, even after the complete occupation of Gaza City, would not be defeated either militarily or politically.

These remarks were made during a security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ahead of the launch of a large-scale ground operation in Gaza City, to consult on the war and the issue of captives.

Channel 12 also quoted Zamir as saying that the army estimates it would take about six months to fully occupy Gaza City, and even longer to completely “clear” it.

These developments come as Israeli forces, under Netanyahu’s orders, have expanded operations in Gaza City, demolishing residential buildings entirely while ignoring repeated warnings about endangering the lives of captives.