Israeli Military Reports Half of Hamas Forces Wiped Out as War Goals Near Completion

The Israeli military has reported significant progress in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, claiming the elimination of more than 17,000 Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of war.

The Israeli military touted that it has wiped out more than 17,000 Hamas fighters since the war began. REUTERS

According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 56% of Hamas’ estimated 30,000 fighters have been killed since hostilities commenced following the October 7 massacre.

Hagari noted that this substantial loss has severely impacted Hamas’ operational capabilities, with small battalions continuing to emerge sporadically despite months of intense combat.

The current death toll of Hamas operatives marks a sharp increase from earlier estimates; in January, US intelligence had indicated that between 20% and 30% of Hamas forces had been neutralized.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby affirmed that these developments significantly weakened Hamas’ military and leadership structures.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza has claimed 56% of Hamas’ forces, dismantling its military and leadership. AFP via Getty Images

He reiterated the US commitment to supporting Israel in its objective to eradicate Hamas as a viable threat following the October 7 attacks that resulted in over 1,200 fatalities.

Kirby emphasized that Hamas represents not only a military threat but also an extremist ideology that denies Israel’s right to exist. He assured that the US will continue to provide Israel with the necessary support to defend against this persistent threat.

However, Israeli and American officials have not addressed the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict.

The death toll in Gaza has reportedly exceeded 40,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Israel has accused the ministry of inflating the casualty figures but has acknowledged that the ratio of combatant to civilian deaths is approximately 1:2.

National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said Israel has achieved “the vast majority” against Hamas. Getty Images

Kirby also downplayed the significance of Hamas’ absence from Thursday’s cease-fire negotiations in Qatar. Despite Hamas’ refusal to attend, he noted that Egyptian and Qatari mediators would continue to relay information and facilitate communication between Hamas leaders and the negotiators.

The Hamas-run ministry of health says the total death toll in Gaza now surpasses 40,000. AFP via Getty Images

The potential failure of these talks could escalate tensions further, with fears that Iran might retaliate against Israel following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Palestinians inspect a ruined house after an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat refugee camp on Wednesday. AFP via Getty Images

Israel has vowed to respond firmly to any such retaliatory actions, while Hezbollah is reportedly preparing its strikes, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.