The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) shared footage on Saturday (Jan 4) claiming that it showed troops inside an area which was used as a “hideout and terror complex in the northern Gaza Strip” by Hamas. The video shared by the army showed troops operating in the destroyed building and firing weapons. 

Advertisment

The IDF further reported that its troops completed an operation earlier this week to destroy all the structures that served as "a central terror hub containing anti-tank firing positions, booby traps, shafts, numerous explosives, and launch sites for targeting Israeli territory.”

Also read | Biden to award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Lionel Messi among 16 others

As per the Israeli media, Hamas militants are unable to move within Jabalaiya, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun due to the IDF's aggressive operations in the areas. IDF has reportedly launched large ground forces that are conducting targeted operations across the Gaza Strip. 

Advertisment

Hostage deal on the way? 

This came after an Israeli delegation of "working-level negotiators" departed Tel Aviv to attend talks in Qatar's capital Doha for further negotiations regarding a hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip. 

Also read | Biden administration proposes $8B arms sale to Israel: Report

Advertisment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jan 2) that he had okayed the delegation's departure to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire agreement. 

"Netanyahu authorised a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha," the Israeli PMO said in a statement. 

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)