IDF encircles Hamas stronghold of Jabaliya in preparation for next stage of war

The Israeli army said Tuesday that its forces have completed the encirclement of the city of Jabaliya, and are ready to deepen the fighting as they sought to take control of one of the last major Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip.

Describing the battles that were being spearheaded by the Israel Defense Forces 162nd Division, the army said that it first hit Jabaliya with heavy artillery and air strikes to “prepare the ground for battle.”

Troops of the 401st Armored Brigade and the Nahal Infantry Brigade also battled Hamas operatives on the outskirts of the city, and the forces found and destroyed several rocket launchers in the area.

Three tunnel entrances, with Hamas operatives inside, were struck, the IDF added.

In the northern part of Jabaliya, troops of the 551st Reserve Brigade and other special forces worked to open up a route for the division to maneuver, the IDF said and added that the troops killed several Hamas gunmen, seized weapons, and destroyed tunnels. READ MORE