Battle of Hamad | |||||||
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Part of the 2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
Israel |
Hamas Palestinian Islamic Jihad[citation needed] Palestinian Mujahideen movement[citation needed] | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Dan Goldfus Liran Batito Amishar Ben David †[2] Elad Tzuri Omer Cohen[3] |
Unknown Unknown Unknown | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades Al-Quds Brigades[citation needed] Mujahideen brigades[citation needed] | |||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Israeli claim: 20 injured[3] |
Israeli claim: 70–100 killed300+ arrested[7] | ||||||
8,500 displaced[8] |
Battle of Hamad was a two–week Israeli military operation against Hamas forces in the town of Hamad in Gaza Strip.
On 3 March Israeli forces entered Hamad, setting up checkpoint there and telling civilians to leave.[9] The operation extensive airstrikes targeting 50 objects as well as artillery barrage.[8] Within 15 minutes Israeli forces reportedly encircled the neighorhood killing anyone who did not leave through designated areas, claiming to have killed 20 Hamas sighters.
On 8 March Major Amishar Ben David, battalion commander's command and control officer was killed while fighting in Hamad.[6] On 11 March 15 Hamas fighters were reportedly killed when Israeli forces raided residential apartments in the town discovering tunnels leading to weapons caches.[8] On 13 March heavy clashes were reported in Hamad with Israeli forces conquering the town building after building with two Israeli soldiers reportedly being killed.[6] More than 100 airstrikes were carried out in support of the operation.[10] On 15 March Israeli forces claimed to have destroyed 200m long tunnel in Hamad.[11] On 16 March 2024 Palestinian forces claimed to have targeted Israeli personal carrier using “Asif” bomb and AR bullets.[12]
On 16 March Israeli forces withdrew from Hamad because of heavy resistance from the Palestinian forces.[13]
On 19 March announced that operation concluded and that during Israeli forces cleared 100 buildings, killing reportedly over 100 fighters[5] and seizing weapons.[4]
On 21 March Palestinian journalist showed a video of empty streets in Hamad without Israeli presence.[4] 15 bodies were recovered in the area by the Palestine Red Crescent Society.[14]