Israel declares isolation of Hamas leader in Gaza

Israel's defense minister said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was isolated in a bunker in Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground forces attacked Hamas positions in Gaza "from all directions, in perfect coordination with the navy and air force," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said at a press conference on November 7. The IDF is "tightening the noose" around Gaza City, Gaza's largest city.

According to Mr. Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "is hiding in a bunker and cannot contact his associates." He reaffirmed Israel's determination to hunt down Sinwar.

Meanwhile, Hamas' armed wing said it had inflicted heavy losses on Israeli forces and had not commented on Mr Sinwar's situation.

Israel has identified Mr Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas's armed wing, as prime targets. Some sources have previously said the two men are hiding in a network of underground tunnels built by Hamas to protect against Israel's heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar at the International Quds Day celebrations in the Gaza Strip on April 14. Photo: Reuters — Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar at the International Quds Day celebrations in the Gaza Strip on April 14. Photo: *Reuters*

The IDF has been blockaded and bombarding Gaza since October 7, after Hamas launched a raid in the south of the country, causing heavy casualties and taking hundreds of hostages. The ground offensive intensified on October 27, when Israel stepped up airstrikes and sent troops and tanks into the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military announced on November 5 that it had completed "dividing Gaza in two" and completely surrounded Gaza City. Mr. Gallant said on November 7 that IDF infantry had been deployed in the center of the city. "We will continue the operation until victory and the hostages return home," the Israeli defense minister said.

Israeli tanks in action in the Gaza Strip in this image released on November 7. Photo: Reuters — Israeli tanks in action in the Gaza Strip in this image released on November 7. Photo: *Reuters*

The IDF announced on November 7 that it continued to attack Hamas targets in Gaza, killing several members of the force. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari reaffirmed that there will be no ceasefire in Gaza and that Israel has attacked more than 14,000 targets, destroyed more than 100 tunnel entrances, and seized 4,000 weapons hidden in civilian facilities.