A Gradual Shift in the War

Following announcements over the weekend, Day 88 of the Hamas-Israel War has seen a gradual shift in Israeli operations, marking the start of the third phase of the war. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) say they are now in control of Northern and Central Gaza, where they are confronting fewer remaining terrorists, destroying terror tunnels, and gathering weapons.

Large-scale actions and intense fighting are still underway in Southern Gaza, focused on remaining Hamas strongholds and the Hamas leadership in Khan Younis, who are thought to be hiding in underground tunnels and bunkers.

The IDF is now releasing thousands of the reservists serving in Gaza, as it no longer requires so many to control the north of the enclave. Remaining troops are establishing operational control in the north and centre of the area, seeking to prevent Hamas terrorists from returning to their positions. This all means that some of the civilians evacuated from the Israeli communities north of the Gaza Strip will soon be able to return to their homes.

And in a major political development, the High Court of Justice has struck down the ‘Reasonableness Law’ that was the only part of the government`s judicial reform plans that was implemented last year. The court’s decision was highly controversial and the first instance of it annulling one of Israel’s quasi-constitutional Basic Laws.

More detail in this update by ILTV: