Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari announced on Thursday evening the encirclement of Gaza City from all directions. He stated that Israeli forces have "completed the encirclement of Gaza City (...) and the goal is to eliminate Hamas." He noted the death of 335 officers and soldiers since the beginning of the war. According to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," army chief Herzi Halevi mentioned on Thursday that Israel is using less than half of its air power in Gaza. Halevi added, "We are ready to attack other fronts if necessary," emphasizing that Israeli forces are present in Gaza City and are surrounding it from several directions.
The newspaper reported Halevi saying, "We will allow fuel to be transported to Gaza under controls when it runs out in hospitals." He added, "We have been told for over a week that the hospitals will run out of fuel tomorrow, and they haven't run out yet. We will see when that day comes, and then we will do everything to ensure it does not reach Hamas or is used for combat purposes."
On the other hand, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, stated that "Gaza will be a curse on Israel." Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the brigades, said in an audio recording, "We will make Gaza a curse of history on Israel," clarifying that Israelis should expect "more of your soldiers returning in black bags."
On the ground, the Israeli army engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters on the 27th day of the war between the two sides, while the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the besieged sector reported that the number of deaths from Israeli airstrikes has exceeded 9,000. Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli army stated that it was deepening its operation in Gaza. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari stated during a press conference, "We will continue to advance in Gaza according to the plans in place... and we will continue to defend the northern border on land, sea, and air."
