Israeli army encircles Khan Younis, pushing deeper into Hamas stronghold VIDEO

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) says that overnight it completed the encirclement of southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, killing dozens of Hamas operatives in the process.

The 98th Division led a major push into the western part of Khan Younis over the past day, with the 7th Armored Brigade and Givati Brigade encircling the city, The Times of Israel reports.

The division’s Commando Brigade has carried out operations deeper into Khan Younis, which the IDF says is a major Hamas stronghold.

Over the past day, the IDF says ground forces engaged in close-quarters battles with Hamas operatives and airstrikes were carried out, and “many dozens of terrorists” were killed.

The IDF says troops killed Hamas fighters wielding RPGs just dozens of meters from the soldiers, gunmen who had opened fire, and operatives booby-trapping buildings and roads with explosive devices.

Troops operating in the Khan Younis area also uncovered rockets prepared for launch, tunnels, and other weapons, the IDF adds.