Five divisions of the Israel Defense Forces are currently operating in the heart of the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a large-scale maneuver that has been ongoing for over a week. In parallel with the ground offensive, the IDF released new footage today (Sunday) from the field.
Hamas’s media office claims the IDF now controls 77% of Gaza’s territory, though it avoids addressing the group’s loss of operational command. The newly released footage from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit shows infantry forces moving into urban neighborhoods, demolishing buildings used by Hamas, and uncovering weapons stockpiles.
Watch:
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour earlier today in Khan Younis together with division and brigade commanders. “You’ve already defeated the Rafah Brigade—now it’s time to defeat the Khan Younis Brigade,” he told the soldiers. “We are striking with force to protect ourselves. That is one of the core lessons of October 7.”
Zamir added that the IDF will use every available means to bring the hostages home and dismantle Hamas’s rule.
Meanwhile, all regular infantry brigades are participating in the operation: the Golani Brigade is operating in Rafah, the Paratroopers are deployed in central Khan Younis, and the Nahal Brigade has been moved from the West Bank to the Strip. On the armored front, the 7th and 401st Brigades are operating under Divisions 143 and 252. The Kfir Brigade and the 282nd Artillery (Fire) Brigade are also playing an active role in the ground campaign.
Watch the 162nd Division operating in Gaza:
The objective of the operation is to sever Hamas from the civilian population by creating a “Mini Gaza”—a concentrated zone where the group’s remaining presence will be contained, while most of the Gaza Strip shifts to Israeli control. “We’ll establish checkpoints and control stations to differentiate between civilians and terrorists,” said a senior official. “We’ve already exceeded our original control objectives—and that’s significant.”
The IDF emphasized that it will continue operating according to a structured plan, aiming to shorten the duration of combat and reduce casualties among Israeli troops. “This is not an endless war,” the Chief of Staff stressed. “We are determined to achieve a decisive outcome—thoroughly, resolutely, and with full backing from the political leadership.”
