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.
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]
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]