Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 16, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Gallant: IDF has cleared out western Gaza City, moving to ‘next phase’ of ground operation
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is seen at the 36th Division's command center in southern Israel, November 16, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the Israel Defense Forces has located “significant findings” in Shifa Hospital, as it moves to the “next phase” of the ground operation.
He did not elaborate on the findings inside the hospital.
“The operation continues and it is carried out in a precise, selective, but very, very determined manner,” he says during a visit to the 36th Division’s command center.
He says the IDF has completed the capture of the western part of Gaza City, and cleared the area of any Hamas operatives and assets.
“The next phase has begun,” Gallant adds.
