The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the 98th Division continues to advance in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, characterizing her as the “Hamas’ main stronghold”. Against the advance of the Israeli army dozens of Hamas operatives are killed and tunnels destroyed, it is reported.

The Israeli military also announced that 7th Armored Brigade has launched an offensive to break through Hamas defense lines in southern Gaza, hitting dozens of anti-tank missile launch sites and observation posts. It said Israeli forces raided a main outpost belonging to the Deir al-Ballah battalion of Hamas, seizing weapons and intelligence material.

At the same time, troops of the Givati ​​Infantry Brigadethe 55th Parachute Reserve Brigade and the Kyriati Reserve Armored Brigade surround Khan Younis and carry out “targeted raids” on Hamas sites, IDF says.

In one of the raids, troops found Hamas weapons at a school, including rocket launchers, mortars, explosive devices and other equipment.

Kiryati Brigade troops also captured a Hamas command center inside a mosque, where several agents were trapped, according to the IDF. It says the cell was killed, as was another group of Hamas gunmen who tried to escape through a tunnel in the area.

The Commando Brigade has carried out raids against what the IDF calls Hamas “centers of gravity” in Khan Younis, including the homes of Hamas operatives. Inside the houses, troops found weapons and intelligence material.

Amid the fighting, some Hamas fighters have surrendered to Israeli troops.