In the heart of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli forces have zeroed in on three pivotal areas—Khan Younis, Jabaliya, and Shajaiye. Let’s take a closer look at the dynamics unfolding in these Hamas strongholds, where the struggle for control is reaching a boiling point.
Khan Younis: Hamas’s Military Capital
The Largest City in Southern Gaza: Khan Younis, a bustling city in southern Gaza, witnessed a surge in population as civilians sought refuge from the impending ground invasion. In the crossfire of early clashes, housing blocks, hospitals, and shelters were not spared, with Israel’s repeated airstrikes targeting the city.
Prime Target: Yahya Sinwar’s Residence: The Israeli military now identifies Khan Younis as “Hamas’s military capital.” In recent weeks, civilians were instructed to flee as Israeli forces pressed southwards. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, finds himself at the center of the storm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted, “Our forces are encircling Sinwar’s house. He can escape, but it is only a matter of time until we reach him.”
Jabaliya: A Storied Stronghold
From Refugee Camp to Hamas Bastion: Jabaliya, once a refugee camp, has evolved into a densely populated neighborhood. Home to around 100,000 people, many are Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the 1948 war. This area holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Intifada on Dec. 9, 1987.
Continuous Conflict: In the decades that followed, Jabaliya has been a constant battleground in clashes between Israel and the Palestinians. Repeated airstrikes during the current war reached a peak on Oct. 31, with Israel employing 2,000-pound bombs. The target: a Hamas commander, fighters, and the intricate network of tunnels used by Hamas for concealing weapons.
Shajaiye: Echoes of Past Assaults
Densely Packed Base for Hamas: Situated in northern Gaza, Shajaiye, like Jabaliya, bears the brunt of Israeli airstrikes. Designated as a Hamas base, it was the scene of a brutal Israeli assault in the 2014 conflict. This July clash resulted in one of the deadliest single days for both Palestinians and the Israeli military.
A Grim Past: The 2014 attack claimed the lives of at least 60 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers and officers. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned it as “an atrocious action.”
As Israel intensifies its focus on these three strongholds, the unfolding events in Khan Younis, Jabaliya, and Shajaiye underscore the complexities of the conflict. The struggle for control continues, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire, and the world watching closely as the dynamics in this volatile region play out.
