The Battle Between Hamas and Israeli Army Leaves Devastation in Northern Gaza

The aftermath of the battle between Hamas, the Palestinian militia, and the Israeli army was evident along the northern coastline of Gaza on Saturday. The school wall had shattered into rubble, the minaret of a mosque was tilting, and the roof of a beachfront villa had vanished, leaving a maroon sofa exposed. Israeli military leaders took a group of foreign journalists on a four-hour tour to witness the extent of the advance.

Thousands of troops began their incursion down the coastline on October 27 in an effort to vanquish Hamas. After eight days of fighting, the Israeli army reached the outskirts of Gaza City, Hamas’s stronghold, and established control over the northern stretch of Gaza’s coastal road.

The once quiet seafront of the northern coastline of Gaza is now a giant Israeli military camp. Infantry lines marched south along the road, tanks and armored vehicles dominated the landscape, and many buildings were wrecked with bullet holes. Palestinian residents fled south, leaving behind the seafront to the Israeli soldiers and a few stray animals.

An Israeli officer, Lt. Col. Iddo Ben-Anat, expressed confidence that Hamas had been routed from the area. However, the sounds of gunfire and constant vigilance by Israeli soldiers indicated that the war was far from over. The Israeli military is moving closer to Gaza City, where it is believed that Hamas fighters have entrenched themselves in a network of underground tunnels.

The journalists who visited Gaza with the Israeli troops witnessed mortar shell landings and roadside bomb explosions. They were obliged to remain with the troops for the duration of the visit and agreed not to photograph certain areas or military positions. The Israeli military did not screen the journalists’ coverage before publication.

To truly defeat Hamas, Israel will need to capture all of Gaza, according to Lt. Col. Ben-Anat. However, analysts warn that such fighting could result in catastrophic civilian losses. The Israeli army claims to be doing its best to target only Hamas fighters without harming civilians, but the civilians in Gaza City are terrified of the army’s approach.

Gazans are trying to assess the Israeli advance by listening to the sounds of gunfire since mobile networks are often out of service. Many are fearful of encountering tanks or being caught in the crossfire.

As the battle continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what the ultimate outcome will be in Gaza.