One Week Into Gideon’s Chariots, Israel Now Controls 77 Percent of Gaza

The Air Force continues striking Gaza as Israeli forces on the ground advance and seize additional territory. The goal: eliminating terrorists and exposing terror infrastructure.

IDF activity across Judea and Samaria during Ramadan | Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

More than a week after the launch of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” the Hamas-run Ministry of Communications in Gaza claimed today (Sunday) that the IDF now controls 77% of the territory in the Strip—up from about 40% prior to the start of the operation.

Israel’s goal: Isolating the Gaza Strip
Late last week, a security official told N12 that the objective is to create a “mini Gaza”—a move intended to push Hamas out of its comfort zone. Israel’s goal is to take control of at least 75% of the territory in the Strip.

According to the official, the strategy includes severing Hamas terrorists from the broader Gazan population by establishing checkpoints and control zones. “We’ll establish checkpoints and control points to screen out Hamas operatives,” he said. Estimates suggest that by the end of the operation, only about a quarter of the Gaza Strip will remain outside Israeli security control.

Khan Younis and the northern neighborhoods in focus
According to military correspondent Hallel Bitton Rosen, with authorization from the political echelon, IDF forces are expected to soon launch a large-scale official maneuver in the Gaza Strip. The report states that five divisions, along with all infantry and armored brigades, will participate fully in the ground operation. In the coming period, efforts will be focused on the Khan Younis area and neighborhoods in the northern part of the Strip.

Destruction in Gaza after the strikes | Photo: Ali Hassan/Flash90

The IDF continues fighting in Gaza
Over the weekend, the Paratroopers Brigade joined the 98th Division in the heart of Khan Younis, completing the deployment of all regular infantry brigades in Gaza. In the armored corps, the 401st and 7th Brigades are operating under the 252nd and 143rd Divisions, working to clear combat zones in both the north and south. The Golani Brigade is engaged in fighting in the Jenina neighborhood of Rafah. The Nahal Brigade has been redeployed from the West Bank to Gaza as part of the 162nd Division’s preparations for expanded combat.