Israel Discloses Discovery of Significant Hamas Operational Base in Gaza Amid Progressing Peace Negotiations

“The Israeli Defense Forces have reported the discovery of a substantial command hub belonging to Hamas in Gaza City. This development, seen as a significant setback to the militant group, coincides with increasing international pressure for Israel to reduce its intense military campaign in the region.

The IDF revealed that this center was part of a comprehensive underground network utilized by Hamas for the movement of weapons, militants, and resources across the Gaza Strip. The destruction of these tunnels is a primary goal of the Israeli offensive.

This news surfaced as the senior leader of Hamas arrived in Egypt to engage in discussions aimed at negotiating a temporary cease-fire and a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Israeli officials have committed to continuing their two-month military operation, initiated in response to a violent incident in October allegedly orchestrated by Hamas, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and the capture of 240 individuals.

The military action has severely impacted northern Gaza, causing the death of approximately 20,000 Palestinians and displacing nearly 1.9 million people, about 85% of the area’s population. The extensive damage and high civilian casualties have intensified global calls for a cease-fire.

Hamas has been vigorously resisting the Israeli ground forces, especially in southern Gaza, where they remain largely operational. They continue daily rocket attacks into Israel.

The United States, a close ally of Israel, has maintained its support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also advocating for more efforts to safeguard civilians in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has recently urged Israel to minimize its military operations, advocating for more precise actions focused on Hamas leaders and their infrastructure.

Blinken’s statement, calling for a reduction in conflict intensity and more targeted operations, contrasts with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s comments during his visit to Israel, where he emphasized not dictating any timeframes to the ally.

The Israeli military showcased to journalists the alleged central location of Hamas’ tunnel network in Palestine Square, Gaza City. They claimed to have found offices, tunnels, and elevators used by Hamas leaders, including a wheelchair belonging to Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ elusive military commander. The military also admitted a mistake in the accidental shooting of three Israeli hostages in Gaza, an incident that has caused an outcry in Israel and added urgency to the government’s negotiations with Hamas.

As the military focuses on southern Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a determination to continue the war until Hamas is defeated.

Meanwhile, cease-fire discussions are progressing. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top leader, is in Cairo for war-related talks, amidst active diplomacy involving Israeli, American, and Qatari officials. The White House’s national security spokesperson, John Kirby, acknowledged the seriousness of these talks, while President Joe Biden indicated that a deal was still not imminent.

Hamas insists on releasing a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants, in exchange for remaining hostages. Israel, facing public pressure, has a history of disproportionate prisoner swaps for its captives.

Negotiations at the U.N. Security Council for an Arab-sponsored resolution to halt the fighting and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza are ongoing, with the U.S. previously vetoing an earlier cease-fire call.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with widespread destruction, food and medicine shortages, and a high casualty toll from recent Israeli airstrikes. Israel’s Foreign Minister is discussing the establishment of a maritime corridor for delivering substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel’s military claims 134 of its soldiers have been killed in the offensive and asserts to have eliminated about 7,000 militants, a figure for which no evidence has been provided. Hamas-run Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 19,600 deaths since the war began, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.”