With the IDF's rapid advance into Gaza, Hamas may be facing a real challenge - analysis

Hamas may be concerned now as it sees the IDF advancing in Gaza. So far, it seems as though the terrorist organization can do very little in terms of preventing this advance. The IDF began a multipronged ground offensive in Gaza on March 19 that has seen forces from several units penetrate areas of northern and southern Gaza and the Netzarim Corridor south of Gaza City.

Indications of Hamas’s concern can be seen in the scramble by Cairo to try to broker a deal, as well as in reports in the Arabic media. The pro-Hezbollah Lebanese Al Akhbar, for instance, has written about a new “assassination” policy by Israel. This comes after the high-profile strikes on several Hamas political leaders in Gaza. In addition, several key Hamas terrorist leaders of units in the area of Shejaia were killed.

According to Al Akhbar, “Over the past two days, the situation on the ground in the Gaza Strip has shifted from the framework of the air operation and military pressure on Hamas to the return of full-scale warfare, coinciding with an assassination campaign targeting a number of the movement’s leaders.” Al Akhbar said the IDF had moved its 36th Division to the border of Gaza. It also reported “the advance of military vehicles from the northwestern border of the Strip, adjacent to the city of Beit Lahiya, the northeastern axis adjacent to the city of Beit Hanun, and the eastern areas of the Jabalya camp. (Read More)