Israeli defense minister says Hamas has lost control over Gaza City

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday that the Palestinian group Hamas has lost control over Gaza City as his army continues to advance inside Gaza.

In a statement cited by the Times of Israel news website, Gallant said following an army assessment session that "there is no force of Hamas capable of stopping" the Israeli army.

He added that the Israeli army is advancing inside Gaza “according to plans and carry out the tasks accurately, lethally.”

Meanwhile, Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement Monday that its fighters are clashing with Israeli forces in areas across Gaza.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 38th day, at least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,700 women and children, and more than 28,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings including hospitals, mosques and churches have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.