The Israeli army has destroyed 20 of the 24 battalions of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made such a statement in an interview with the American Merit Street Media television.

Netanyahu added that the remaining four are in Rafah, and that is why Israeli forces have to enter the area because they cannot leave them there.

He admitted, however, that Israel will face very strong resistance during the operation in Rafah, but expressed confidence that the Israeli military will overcome it.