IDF: Hamas "Battered and Bruised"

The IDF Spokesperson made the following statement today (Wednesday) regarding the operation to take Gaza City and eliminate the remaining Hamas forces there:

"From a military terrorist organization, it has become a battered and bruised guerrilla organization. We will deepen the damage to Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization. We will deepen the damage to the terror infrastructure above and below the ground and sever the population's dependence on Hamas. 

"We are not waiting. We have begun the preliminary actions, and already now, IDF troops are holding the outskirts of Gaza City. The Nahal and the 7th Brigade, under the command of the 99th Division, are operating on the ground in the Zeitoun area on the outskirts of Gaza City. These activities have already brought achievements; in recent days, our troops have located an underground tunnel in which weapons were located inside Gaza City. 

"Another effort by the Givati brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, is operating in the area of Jabaliya. Additional troops will join the operation in the near future.  As part of laying the groundwork for the continuation of the operation, the IDF is also establishing a humanitarian effort. COGAT is leading a civilian effort to adapt the humanitarian infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip to meet the needs of the expected population.

"We continue to enable assistance to the civilians of the Gaza Strip - and are expanding it. Additional aid distribution centers will be established. This approach will sever the population's dependence on Hamas.

"In order to minimize harm to civilians, the IDF will warn the civilian population and allow them to evacuate for their own protection, distancing themselves from the active combat zones. ------ As part of the preparations for the next phase - the Chief of the General Staff has instructed to issue approximately 60,000 reserve orders for the beginning of September. In addition to the orders that will be distributed, we will extend another 20,000 orders to reserve service members in battalions that are already operating today.

"At the same time, we are preparing for additional troops in active duty service who will form the basis for the next phase of operations. We attach paramount importance to balancing the burden placed on the active duty and reserve troops.

"We continue to work to create conditions for the return of the hostages and to ensure that Hamas does not retain the terrorist capabilities it once possessed."