Israel Defense Forces’ Success Against Hamas

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) achieved a significant victory against Hamas, capturing or killing over half of the 40,000 fighters who launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly.

Netanyahu highlighted the IDF’s accomplishments, stating that they “captured or killed more than half of the terrorists, destroyed over 90% of the missile arsenal and disabled key elements of their underground network.” The IDF’s efforts have significantly weakened Hamas’ capabilities.

At the time of the attack, Hamas had approximately 40,000 fighters, 15,000 unguided missiles, and an extensive network of underground tunnels spanning over 560 km. Netanyahu emphasized that the IDF successfully destroyed 23 out of 24 Hamas battalions, dealing a severe blow to the group’s infrastructure.

The Israeli army continues to assess the remaining capabilities of Hamas and is working to eliminate any remaining infrastructure. Netanyahu stressed that allowing Hamas to maintain control in the Gaza Strip would enable the group to regain strength, re-arm, and launch future attacks on Israel.

Netanyahu emphasized the need for the Gaza Strip to undergo a process of “demilitarization and deradicalization” to prevent Hamas from regaining power. The Israeli government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

Background on the Conflict

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting a swift response from the Israeli army. The IDF launched a comprehensive operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, aiming to neutralize the group’s capabilities and protect Israeli citizens.