Israel: Hamas command structure in northern Gaza destroyed

(Patria) - The Israeli army says it has "dismantled" Hamas's command structure in the northern Gaza Strip, the BBC reported.

Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Palestinian militants there are now operating sporadically and "without commanders." He said Israel has killed about 8,000 militants in northern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are now focused on dismantling Hamas in southern and central Gaza, he said.

Israel has killed more than 22,000 people since the start of the war, according to Hamas's health ministry. It reported on Saturday that it had recorded more than 120 deaths in the past 24 hours. The territory has been devastated and most of its 2.3 million population has been displaced.

Israel's offensive began after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 240 hostages, of whom about 120 are still held.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel will continue its campaign to "eliminate Hamas, return our hostages, and ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."

"We must put everything aside... until complete victory is achieved," Netanyahu said.