GAZA - The Israeli military has declared the "completion of the dismantling" of Hamas's command structure in the northern Gaza Strip, stating that Palestinian militants are now operating sporadically in the area without commanders. According to the army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, Israel claims to have killed approximately 8,000 militants in north Gaza, a number that the BBC cannot independently verify.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are now shifting their focus to dismantling Hamas in south and central Gaza. Since the conflict began, Israel has reported killing more than 22,000 people, while the Hamas-run health ministry stated over 120 deaths in the past 24 hours. The ongoing offensive originated after a surprise attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the commitment to "eliminate Hamas, return our hostages, and ensure that Gaza will no longer be a threat to Israel," expressing determination to pursue complete victory.

In the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, six Palestinians were reportedly killed in an Israeli raid, accompanied by a large deployment of forces. Additionally, an Israeli air strike targeted a gathering in the West Bank following an explosion that killed one officer.

On the northern border, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at Israeli territory in response to the killing of a top Hamas official in Beirut. Saleh al-Arouri was assassinated in a suspected Israeli attack. The Israeli military reported about 40 launches from Lebanon and responded accordingly.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently on a regional trip, expressed focus on preventing the Gaza conflict from spreading and avoiding an "endless cycle of violence."