In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have disclosed significant casualties among Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
According to recent statements from the IDF, approximately 12,000 of Hamas’s estimated 30,000 gunmen have been killed since the outbreak of war on October 7th.
This revelation comes in response to claims made by a Qatar-based Hamas official earlier in the day, who suggested that the group had lost around half of that number, approximately 6,000 fighters, during the four-month-long conflict.
Additionally, the IDF has revealed that over 31,000 strikes have been carried out since October 7th, with targets extending beyond Gaza to include over 1,000 strikes in Lebanon and several in the West Bank.
The acknowledgment from Hamas of significant losses marks a departure from previous statements and underscores the toll the conflict has taken on the organization’s military capabilities.
The unnamed Hamas official’s admission also hinted at the group’s determination to continue fighting, emphasizing their readiness for an extended conflict in Rafah and Gaza.
The war between Israel and Hamas erupted following a series of devastating attacks by Hamas militants on October 7th.
These attacks, which saw an estimated 3,000 terrorists infiltrate Israel by land, air, and sea, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the seizure of over 250 hostages, predominantly civilians, in acts of brutality and sexual assault.
In response to these heinous acts, Israel launched a comprehensive air and ground offensive, targeting areas in Gaza where Hamas operates while endeavoring to minimize civilian casualties.
The IDF’s objective has been clear: to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
While the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has reported over 29,000 casualties in the Strip since the onset of fighting, these figures remain unverified and are believed to include both civilians and Hamas members.
The IDF has countered these figures, asserting that they have also targeted and killed around 1,000 terrorists inside Israel on October 7th, in addition to the 12,000 killed in Gaza since.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian toll on both sides is undeniable. The loss of life and ongoing violence underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the longstanding tensions between Israel and Hamas.
The international community must redouble its efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiation, with the aim of achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
In the meantime, the IDF remains committed to its mission of safeguarding Israeli citizens and dismantling terrorist threats, while Hamas asserts its resilience in the face of adversity.
The road to peace may be fraught with challenges, but the imperative to pursue it remains unwavering.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members