Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reported to the Israeli cabinet that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed or injured 60% of Hamas terrorists in Gaza over the nine months of conflict following the Hamas terror attack on October 7.
According to Gallant, approximately 14,000 Hamas militants have been killed, and 20 out of the organization’s 24 battalions have been eliminated. Despite this significant attrition, Hamas continues to launch sporadic attacks, with its leaders remaining hidden underground.
Gallant’s update to the cabinet also included discussions about the ongoing indirect hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer provided further context, emphasizing the strategic importance of Israel’s control over the Egypt-Gaza border, including the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor.
These locations have historically been used by Hamas for smuggling operations, and controlling them is crucial to prevent the influx of weapons and other contraband that could strengthen Hamas.
In a related development, Gallant met with Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator to the Middle East and North Africa. Their discussions centered on the opportunities to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas and strategies to prevent future smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Gallant reiterated Israel’s support for reopening the Rafah crossing under conditions that would prevent Hamas from regaining control.
Gallant’s statement highlighted that some progress has been made in talks with Hamas, as the organization appears to have dropped a key demand that Israel commit to ending the war permanently as a condition for any deal for the release of hostages. Israel, on its part, has made it clear that it will not give up its mission of destroying Hamas’s military capabilities and governing power.