In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Saturday that Israeli forces will reach and eliminate Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Hamas terror group. This declaration comes as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intensified their ground operation in the Gaza Strip over the weekend.

During a press briefing, Defense Minister Gallant stated, "At the end of the war, there will no longer be Hamas in Gaza, and Israel will have complete freedom of action to carry out any security actions it needs against anyone who threatens us." This strong statement was made in the backdrop of relentless efforts by Israeli forces to dismantle critical Hamas infrastructure and neutralize key personnel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video address on Friday, emphasized that the goal of the enemies is the destruction of the State of Israel but asserted that they will fail. "We will not relent until we achieve our goals, which include the elimination of Hamas, the return of our hostages, and providing security for our citizens and children," he declared.

The intensified ground operation over the weekend led to the targeted assassination of Mustafa Dalul, the commander of Hamas's Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, by the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). Dalul played a central role in managing the combat against Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip.

In another development, an Israeli drone struck the Gaza house of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' political chief. Haniyeh, who has been residing outside the Gaza Strip since 2019, was not present at the time of the attack. The extent of damage and the presence of any family members inside the house remain unclear.

Israeli forces operating with ground troops faced attacks from terrorists emerging from tunnel shafts and military compounds in the northern Gaza Strip. Troops engaged with 15 terrorists, resulting in their elimination, and tanks were directed to destroy three Hamas observation posts.

The operations also involved mapping out buildings and neutralizing explosive devices. Soldiers from the Infantry, Combat Engineering, and Armored Corps, under the command of the Givati Brigade, gained control of a Hamas military stronghold in Gaza, uncovering valuable intelligence, operational orders, means of communication, command and control tables, and personal details of Hamas commanders and terrorists.

The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with nine more Israeli soldiers losing their lives over the weekend, bringing the total number of Israeli military casualties to 28 since the ground operation began. The total number of casualties since October 7 stands at 345. On the other hand, the IDF reported that many combatants were injured, with approximately 260 soldiers evacuated in rescue operations conducted by the 669 Search and Rescue Unit.

The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the IDF stating that Hamas exploited a humanitarian window of opportunity to carry out attacks using mortar fire and anti-tank missiles. The IDF had opened a humanitarian axis for the movement of Gaza residents to the south, but Hamas targeted the forces involved, preventing the opening of the route.

As the conflict enters its second week, Israel's determination to neutralize Hamas leaders and infrastructure remains unwavering. The IDF's relentless efforts demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the security of Israeli citizens and its resolve to bring an end to the threat posed by Hamas in Gaza.