Israeli security officials reportedly told cabinet ministers that Hamas’s military capabilities had been badly damaged, including drones, anti-tank units, tunnels and operations on the ground for intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare. While Hamas still has a stockpile of rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv, its launchers were damaged as well.
A ceasefire brokered by Egypt went into effect Friday at 2 am between Israel and terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip.
The fighting began on May 10 after Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations in Gaza launched a barrage of rockets at Israel, prompting a swift response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system managed to shoot down most of the rockets -more than 4,000 rockets fired- although the barrages resulted in the death of a dozen Israelis. Gazan health officials report 232 killed.Israel says most of them were terrorists.
According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the security cabinet “unanimously accepted the recommendation of all of the security officials, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, the head of the ISA, the head of the Mossad and the head of the National Security Council to accept the Egyptian initiative for a mutual ceasefire without pre-conditions” to take effect “at a time to be determined.”
It added that “the political leadership emphasizes that it is the reality on the ground that will determine the future of the operation.”
Israeli security officials reportedly told cabinet ministers that Hamas’s military capabilities had been badly damaged, including drones, anti-tank units, tunnels and operations on the ground for intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare. While Hamas still has a stockpile of rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv, its launchers were damaged as well.
Israel’s aerial and artillery campaign focused on targeting Hamas’s extensive terror network, including tunnels for moving fighters and munitions. Israel has also sought to target the organization’s leadership and fighters.
Nearly ten days into ‘’Operation Guardian of the Walls’’ against Hamas and the launch of approximately 3,750 rockets and missiles into Israel from the Gaza Strip, Israel’s achievements are unprecedented compared to previous rounds of fighting in Gaza,
According to analysts and intelligence source, , Israel’s achievements in ‘’Operation Guardian of the Walls’’ against Hamas are unprecedented compared to previous rounds of fighting in Gaza,
Specifically, the destruction of the Gaza underground tunnel system, so called “metro”, deprives Hamas of a critical strategic capability, they say.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad have suffered failures. For example, many rockets fired at Israel fell short, landing in Gaza, resulting in Palestinian casualties, including children.
Prior to the hostilities, Israel invested in infrastructure in electricity, health and sewage infrastructure to allow for normalcy in Gaza. Despite this, irrationally, Hamas initiated an attack on Israel.
Palestinians celebrated in Gaza and the West Bank with demonstrations and fireworks after the ceasefire came into force, claiming a “victory for the resistance,” Israel’s Kan reported.
US President Joe Biden praised the ceasefire as a “genuine opportunity to make progress.” He said the US would help replenish the Iron Dome systems and, through international organizations, assist the Palestinians in reconstructing damaged buildings and providing humanitarian assistance.
He vowed to work through the Palestinian Authority to ensure it does not go to aiding Hamas replenish its arsenal of rockets. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the Middle East “in the coming days,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.
He “will meet with Israeli, Palestinian and regional counterparts in the coming days to discuss recovery efforts and working together to build better futures for Israelis and Palestinians,” Price said.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell welcomes the announced ceasefire. ‘’We are appalled and regret the loss of life over these past 11 days. As the EU has consistently reiterated, the situation in the Gaza Strip has long been unsustainable. Only a political solution will bring sustainable peace and end once for all the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Restoring a political horizon towards a two-state solution now remains of utmost importance. The EU is ready to fully support Israeli and Palestinian authorities in these efforts,’’ he said.