Israel reports Hamas in disarray as Gaza becomes encircled

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly completed a full encirclement of Gaza, effectively severing the enclave from external support and asserting control over several strategically vital districts. These include Sheikh Radwan, the coastal corridor, Sabra, and Tel al-Hawa—areas considered pivotal to the operational capabilities of Hamas.

Israeli military assessments indicate that nearly 600,000 civilians have evacuated Gaza City, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside the military campaign, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The IDF claims that Hamas is in a state of severe disorganization and operational paralysis, increasingly relying on civilian populations as human shields in an attempt to impede Israeli advances.

“They don’t understand where our strikes are coming from. They have no idea about the scale of the forces the IDF is deploying against them,” an Israeli military source was quoted as saying, highlighting what the IDF sees as a growing tactical advantage in its operations.

Despite the sweeping territorial control, the intensity of armed engagements remains relatively restrained. Israeli forces report minimal direct confrontation with Hamas fighters, with most encounters occurring in isolated instances rather than sustained battles. One such encounter took place on September 22, resulting in the death of Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, a company commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion—an incident underscoring the continued risks faced by Israeli troops on the ground.

Sources within the IDF further assert that the Hamas leadership in Gaza is under extraordinary pressure, with many of its command structures reportedly fragmented or incapacitated. According to Israeli intelligence, the militant group’s command chain is struggling to maintain cohesion amid mounting losses, sustained bombardment, and the loss of territorial control.

By Vafa Guliyeva