Hamad City incursion explained

Conflict:Hamad City incursion
Place:Hamad City, Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip31.3761°N 34.3184°W
Partof:the siege of Khan Yunis during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, part of the Israel-Hamas war
Date:3 – 16 March 2024
Result:Israeli withdrawal from Hamad after reportedly clearing it[1]
Combatant1: Israel
Combatant2:
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Palestinian Mujahideen Movement
Units1:
Commander1: Dan Goldfus
Liran Batito
Elad Tzuri
Omer Cohen[4]
Amishar Ben David[5]
Commander2: Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Casualties2:Israeli claim:
70–100 killed
300+ arrested[6]
100 buildings damaged or destroyed
Casualties1:Israeli claim:
3 killed
20 injured
Casualties3:8,500 displaced[7]

The Hamad City incursion was a two–week Israeli military operation against Hamas forces in the apartment complex and neighborhood of Hamad City, Khan Yunis, in the Gaza Strip.

Battle

On 3 March Israeli forces entered Hamad City, setting up checkpoints there and telling civilians to leave.[8] The operation extensive airstrikes targeting 50 objects as well as artillery barrage.[7] Within 15 minutes Israeli forces reportedly encircled the neighborhood killing anyone who did not leave through designated areas, claiming to have killed 20 Hamas sighters.

On 8 March Major Amishar Ben David, battalion commander's command and control officer was killed while fighting in Hamad City.[3] On 11 March, the Israeli army said it killed15 Hamas fighters in residential apartments, and also said it found weapons caches in tunnels.[7] On 13 March heavy clashes were reported in Hamad City with Israeli forces conquering the town building after building with two Israeli soldiers reportedly being killed.[3] Israel said it conducted more than 100 airstrikes.[9] On 15 March Israeli forces claimed to have destroyed 200m long tunnel in Hamad City.[10] On 16 March 2024 Palestinian forces claimed to have targeted an Israeli personnel carrier using “Asif” bomb and AR bullets.[11]

On 16 March Israeli forces withdrew from Hamad because of heavy resistance from the Palestinian forces.[12]

On 19 March Israel announced the end of its incursion, destruction of 100 buildings, killing reportedly over 100 fighters[2] and seizing weapons.[13]

Aftermath

On 21 March Palestinian journalist showed a video of empty streets in Hamad City without Israeli presence.[13] Fifteen bodies were recovered in the area by the Palestine Red Crescent Society.[14]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: IRAN UPDATE, MARCH 21, 2024 . Institute for the Study of War . 14 April 2024 . en.
  2. Web site: Institute for the Study of War. Institute for the Study of War.
  3. https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/03/13/an-upscale-neighborhood-teeming-with-terrorists-a-visit-to-the-qatari-build-hamas-stronghold/ Where terrorists hide in luxury homes: A visit to the Qatari-built Hamas stronghold
  4. https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-793457 How the IDF dismantled Gaza's Qatari-funded terror neighborhood
  5. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/swords-of-iron-idf-casualties#:~:text=Share%3A,have%20been%20killed%20in%20battle.&text=%2D%20Figures%20refer%20only%20to%20IDF%20personnel%20injured%20in%20combat
  6. https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-793670 Mission accomplished: IDF completes ten-day Hamad operation in southern Gaza Strip
  7. https://www.jns.org/idf-kills-15-terrorists-in-central-gaza-as-hamad-city-operation-continues/ IDF kills 15 terrorists in central Gaza as Hamad City operation continues
  8. https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-march-3-2024 Iran Update, March 3, 2024
  9. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/troops-have-killed-over-100-hamas-operatives-in-khan-younis-complex-in-march-says-idf/ Troops have killed over 100 Hamas operatives in Khan Younis complex in March, says IDF
  10. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-finds-hamas-tunnel-under-bell-pepper-field-near-khan-younis/ IDF finds Hamas tunnel under bell pepper field near Khan Younis
  11. https://en.webangah.ir/2024-03-16/news=80263/ The complete withdrawal of Israel from the north of the city of Hamad in Khan Yunis
  12. Web site: GAZA LIVE BLOG: Israel Withdraws from Hamad Town | Nuseirat under Attack | Malnutrition Spread in Gaza - Day 162. March 16, 2024.
  13. https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-march-21-2024 IRAN UPDATE, MARCH 21, 2024
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz6HidrC8PE Israeli withdrawal from Hamad town:15 bodies recovered from ruins of Khan Younis