Israeli Troops 'Tightening Chokehold' On Gaza City

Army chief says soldiers in city for 'first time in decades' as Netanyahu indicates tactical pauses' in conflict are possible

- CHRIS STEVENSON

Israel's defence minister has said troops are fighting in the "heart of Gaza City" as part of its war on Hamas.

In a televised address, Yoav Gallant, said that his country’s forces were “tightening the chokehold” around the city, having surrounded it in recent days. Mr Gallant’s comments echoed those of Major General Yaron Finkelman, the commanding officer of the Southern Command of Israel’s army in a briefing near the border with Gaza.

Israel has been ratcheting up ground operations in recent days alongside an aerial bombardment that started in the wake of a Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October, during which 1,400 people were killed and another 240 taken hostage. Military spokesmen have said that troops are seeking to destroy a network of tunnels that Hamas use in Gaza.

“For the first time in decades, [troops are] fighting in the heart of Gaza City. At the heart of terrorism,” Maj Gen Finkelman said. “Every day and every hour the forces are killing militants, exposing tunnels and destroying weapons and continuing onward to enemy centres.”

Mr Gallant said that “forces came from the north and the south” around the city, in coordination with air and sea forces. “They are manoeuvring on foot, armoured vehicles and tanks, along with military engineers from all directions,” he added.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are “deepening the pressure” on Hamas. The military wing of Hamas claimed it was inflicting heavy losses and damage on advancing Israeli troops.