Israel says major combat in northern Gaza is over as it switches focus

The announcement came ahead of a visit to Israel by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Smoke rises after an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

The Israeli military signalled that it has wrapped up major combat in northern Gaza, saying it has completed dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure there, as the war against the militant group entered its fourth month.

Its spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said late Saturday that forces would “continue to deepen the achievement” there, strengthen defences along the Israel-Gaza border fence and focus on the central and southern parts of the territory.