Israeli military says it takes control of Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces on Nov. 7, 2023 shows Israeli troops continuing ground operations in Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday.

In its latest operational update, the Israeli military said that troops "secured a military stronghold" belonging to Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, where anti-tank missiles and launchers, weapons, and various intelligence materials were located.

"A number of" Hamas militants barricaded themselves in a building adjacent to the Al-Quds Hospital, and planned to carry out an attack on the Israeli forces from there, said the update, adding that Israeli soldiers "directed an aircraft" to strike the militants, causing "significant secondary explosions which indicate the presence of a Hamas weapons depot in a civilian area."

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that Israeli forces have shelled areas about 50 meters away from the Al-Quds Hospital, where more than 14,000 displaced Palestinians have sought shelter.

The shelling "has led to at least 60 injuries among hospital staff, patients, and displaced individuals, as well as significant damage to the hospital building, ambulances and relief vehicles," said the statement.

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces on Nov. 7, 2023 shows Israeli troops continuing ground operations in Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces on Nov. 7, 2023 shows Israeli troops continuing ground operations in Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces on Nov. 7, 2023 shows Israeli troops continuing ground operations in Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces on Nov. 7, 2023 shows Israeli troops continuing ground operations in Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have taken control of a Hamas stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip, Israel's military said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)