TEL AVIV, December 6. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has eliminated at least half of Hamas’ battalion commanders in Gaza since the start of military operations in the Palestinian enclave, Israeli Government Spokesman Eylon Levy said at a briefing for foreign journalists.

"To date, the IDF has eliminated half of Hamas’ battalion commanders," he pointed out.

According to Levy, Israeli forces have substantial air support and are advancing in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas’s military capabilities have been significantly reduced.

Levy noted that Hamas had fired over 11,500 rockets at Israel since October 7. More than 2,000 launches misfired and most of those rockets fell inside Gaza, causing considerable damage, he added.