Gaza City Surrounded During IDF’s Operation Gideon’s Chariots II

The IDF announced Tuesday that it has completed the encirclement of Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, marking a critical stage in Israel’s campaign against Hamas.

According to military sources, three IDF divisions have taken control of strategic areas including Sheikh Radwan, the coastline, Sabra, and Tel al-Hawa. The maneuver has effectively sealed off Gaza City, where military estimates suggest that over 600,000 residents have already fled.

“Hamas is currently in a state of confusion,” one source said. “It doesn’t know where the IDF is striking from and has no clear sense of the scale of forces we’re using against them.”

So far, clashes have been relatively limited, with Hamas avoiding large-scale confrontations. One battle yesterday claimed the life of Maj. Shahar Netanel Buzaglo, a company commander in the 77th Armored Battalion. Military sources noted that Hamas fighters appear to be conserving strength, moving sparingly while preparing defensive positions.

The IDF has reinforced its combat presence on land, sea, and air, with dozens of battalions on high alert throughout the country for the High Holidays. Security has been heightened across shopping centers, roads, junctions, bus stops, and communities, particularly in Judea and Samaria.

Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, head of Central Command, emphasized the scale of the challenge: “The many challenges before us the fighting in Gaza City, defense in the north, and the constant battle against terrorism in Judea and Samaria have recently converged with political statements, the holidays, the olive harvest, foreign incitement, and lone-wolf inspiration. All these are not reasons for optimism, but I am full of hope.”

Meanwhile, reports from inside Gaza suggest Hamas commanders are under heavy pressure and resorting to violence to keep civilians from leaving. One military source pointed to recent incidents as evidence: “We saw at the end of the week that Hamas attacked a UN convoy, which indicates their distress. We know more about the situation Hamas finds itself in in Gaza City.”

The encirclement marks a decisive shift in Israel’s campaign. With Hamas command struggling and civilians fleeing, the IDF now holds a critical tactical advantage as it presses forward in Gaza.

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