In a joint operation by the IDF Southern Command, the Israeli Air Force, Military Intelligence Directorate, Israeli Navy, and the Shin Bet, terrorist Ahmad Osama Hassan al-Lahwani—who served in Hamas’s naval commando unit and infiltrated Kerem Shalom during the October 7 massacre—was eliminated.
Meanwhile, naval forces continue their defensive and offensive operations at sea across all fronts. As part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, security patrol vessels and missile boats are carrying out maritime assault missions in close coordination with ground maneuvering forces under the Southern Command.
77% of the Gaza Strip Is Under IDF Control
The Hamas-run Ministry of Communications in Gaza claimed today (Sunday) that the IDF currently controls 77% of the territory. Before the operation began, that number was around 40%.
Israel’s Objective: Isolating the Strip
Over the weekend, a senior security official told N12 that Israel’s strategy is to create a “Small Gaza”—a maneuver intended to push Hamas out of its comfort zone. The Israeli objective is to take control of at least 75% of the Gaza Strip.
According to the official, the goal is to disconnect Hamas terrorists from the general Gazan population by establishing checkpoints and control zones. “We will set up inspection and control points to filter out Hamas operatives,” he said. The assessment is that by the end of the operation, only about a quarter of the Strip will remain outside of Israeli security control.
