As tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a new map has been released, showing the areas in which Israel’s forces have regained control from Hamas militants along the Gaza border.
The graphic, posted on Tuesday on the X (formerly Twitter) account of War Mapper, a platform that shares content related to conflicts worldwide, highlights the locations where clashes have occurred near the Gaza border.
Israel has continued its airstrikes, even on Monday night, following a surprise attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel from Gaza. This attack marked the most significant breach of Israel’s defenses since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Egypt and Syria launched attacks.
According to Reuters, the violence has resulted in more than 1,500 casualties and has triggered international declarations of support for Israel, global street protests in solidarity with Palestinians, and calls for an end to the fighting to protect civilians.
War Mapper’s graphic accompanying the map stated that “72 hours since the initial attacks, the IDF has regained control in all communities in southern Israel.” However, it also noted that “a small number of isolated militants remain within the country, and operations to secure the area are in progress.”
The map pinpointed areas where clashes were ongoing, including Karmia, Sderot, Mefalsim, Kfar Aza, Be’eri, Ofakim, and Magen. Additionally, it indicated that evacuations were taking place in 24 areas.
Another map, from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), revealed that Hamas forces had infiltrated deeper into Israeli territory. The Al Qassam Brigade, Hamas’s militant wing, had launched an attack on the Israeli town of Rahat, located approximately 20 miles east of Gaza.
The ISW commented on the situation, stating, “Hamas is expanding its incursions into southern Israel as Palestinian militias in the West Bank and Lebanese Hezbollah clash with Israeli security forces in the northern province of the country. The situation could expand the war to a second front.”
Reuters reported that Israel has been planting mines along the breach in the barrier where Hamas militants infiltrated the Gaza Strip’s border, an area that Israel has blockaded. This development raises the possibility of a ground assault.
The Israeli military has called up 300,000 reservists in response to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Hamas has issued threats to execute an Israeli hostage for every Palestinian home bombed without warning.
As of now, Israel has not responded to this threat. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen revealed that more than 100 people were taken captive by Hamas during the cross-border incursion over the weekend.
Israel’s Air Force has reported striking 200 targets overnight in the Gaza Strip. Authorities have advised residents in the area to leave through the single crossing controlled by Egypt, although it was later announced that this crossing had been closed.