TEL AVIV, November 15. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has blown up the building of Gaza’s legislative assembly owned by the radical Palestinian movement Hamas, Israeli media outlets reported.
According to Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper and Channel 12, the enclave’s parliament was destroyed two days after it was seized by IDF troops. The television channel claimed that the prison building next door was also destroyed in order to put pressure on Hamas supporters.
The IDF has made no comment on the information yet.
On November 14, the army’s press service said that in Gaza Israeli troops had taken control of Hamas’ Legislative Council, the governor’s house, the police headquarters and the building of the university’s engineering department, where weapons were developed. Moreover, during the operation the troops took control of the Jizat facility, which was home to Hamas’ training base, operational headquarters, interview rooms and detention centers.
On November 13, Israeli media published photos showing IDF soldiers inside Hamas’ Legislative Council in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post reported that before the hostilities, lawmakers of the radical movement that seized power in the enclave had held their meetings in that hall.
Tensions flared up in the Middle East after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli territory on October 7. Hamas views its attack as a response to Israeli authorities’ steps against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank. On October 27, Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari said the IDF was expanding its ground operation in Gaza.