The Israeli Defense Forces continued their offensive in the Gaza Strip to drive the Hamas terrorist group out of the territory. The IDF already controls the northern part of the enclave.

According to Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari on Friday, November 17, the operation may have to be extended to the south of the Gaza Strip. His words were quoted by CNN.

He noted that the country's army will attack "wherever Hamas is, including the southern part of the Gaza Strip."

"This will happen wherever and whenever it is convenient for the IDF and when the conditions are optimal," Hagari said.

The Israeli military also announced the approximate losses of the IDF since October 7, when Israel was attacked by the Hamas group. According to him, the Israel Defense Forces have lost at least 372 soldiers.

According to the newspaper, over the past few days, there have been increasing signs that an IDF ground offensive in the southern part of the Gaza Strip is likely to be inevitable.

Israeli leaders have previously stated that the north of the enclave, including its capital, Gaza City, is already under IDF control.

The media also wrote that a few days ago, leaflets appeared in the area of the largest city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, Khan Younis, warning local residents to move or "go to known shelters."

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said that the Israeli Defense Forces had taken control of the entire northern part of the Gaza Strip. Hamas terrorists were driven out of both buildings and tunnels.

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