The Israeli military announced Sunday that its forces had surrounded the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza, responding to signs that Hamas was rebuilding despite ongoing strikes. “The troops of the 401st and 460th Brigades have successfully encircled the area and continue operations,” the statement said. Intelligence suggested Hamas militants and infrastructure were present in Jabaliya, with the group attempting to restore its operational capabilities.
Before and during the operation, the Israeli Air Force struck multiple military targets in the area to aid ground forces. These included weapons storage sites, underground infrastructure, and other militant facilities. Gaza’s civil defense spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, reported heavy strikes in Jabaliya overnight, resulting in numerous casualties. Jabaliya has faced regular bombardments since the war began, displacing most of its residents.
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In recent months, Israeli troops have returned to several areas in Gaza where they had previously conducted operations against Hamas, only to find militants rebuilding. The military also stated that it was expanding the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, and had reopened two evacuation routes from northern Gaza via Salaheddine Road and Al-Rashid Coastal Road.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense reported an Israeli airstrike on a mosque-turned-shelter in Deir El-Balah, which killed 21 people. Israel claimed it was targeting Hamas militants. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 41,825 deaths, mostly civilians, a figure confirmed by the United Nations as reliable.
