Israeli official: We do not know the number of Hamas forces, and the tunnels in Gaza are more complex

The Israeli occupation forces are facing significant challenges in achieving their military objectives as the attack on the city of Gaza begins. An Israeli military official indicated that the army is unaware of the true number of Hamas forces present in the city, reflecting a state of uncertainty in military planning.

The official also confirmed that the Hamas tunnel network is more complex than the occupation forces had anticipated, which increases the difficulty of military operations. These statements come at a sensitive time as the occupation seeks to take control of the city after two years of genocide and starvation.

In a related context, sources in the Israeli army warned the government that the destruction of the city of Gaza, both above and below ground, will take more than a year. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented a plan that includes the possibility of halting combat as soon as an agreement is reached with Hamas.

It is noteworthy that there are disagreements between the army and the political leadership regarding how to deal with Israeli prisoners, as sources expressed concern about endangering these prisoners with the onset of the attack on the city.

Zamir also clarified that the army cannot estimate the time required to evacuate the city of Gaza within the framework of the new operation called 'Gideon's Chariots 2.'

In recent days, the 401st Brigade has returned to combat in Jabalia in northern Gaza, where it aims to target Hamas capabilities and destroy military infrastructure.

Despite Hamas agreeing to the mediators' proposal for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a plan to occupy the city, raising fears of a new bloody escalation.

Human rights and humanitarian organizations are calling for an end to the aggression, warning of widespread displacement of the population in Gaza, which numbers nearly one million, including those who have been displaced previously.

Since October 2023, the occupying state has been waging a genocide against the residents of the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 62,000 martyrs and 157,000 injured, amid a disregard for international calls to stop the war.