Israel-Hamas war: IDF reportedly near the end of its ground offensive in northern Gaza, moving south

Smoke rises from a point hit during Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on December 20, 2023. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images)

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said on Wednesday that the Israeli military was nearing the end of its ground offensive in the northern part of Gaza Strip, the Times of Israel reported.

Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reportedly said the IDF is focusing on new areas, as Hamas terrorists have moved across the Gaza Strip.

“[Hamas was] able to spread across Gaza," he explained. "From the heart of Gaza City, senior Hamas officials were able to reach Shifa Hospital, leave there in an ambulance to travel south, and return to Shifa Hospital, enter the [tunnel] network, and go north to Rantisi Hospital."

IDF Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman reportedly said earlier on Wednesday that the IDF is in "another significant phase of the offensive, in new areas."

"This offensive will continue and keep moving forward. It will continue with pressure against the enemy above ground and underground," he added.