Israel is completely changing its strategy in the Swords of Iron war and aims for a full conquest of the Strip, while separating the civilian population from Hamas terrorists, Channel 12 reported on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has been dealing with what seems to be an insurmountable problem: the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas uses as human shields. Since the beginning of the war, IDF soldiers have been clearing areas in Gaza of terrorists and then leaving the area and allowing civilians to return to their homes. But of course, Hamas would return to the area along with the civilians. IDF soldiers have been forced to return to the same areas time and time again, clearing houses and streets of Hamas terrorists, at great risk to their lives. This time, according to the report, Israel plans to change its strategy by conquering the Strip. Israel plans to take control of 75% of Gaza. Civilians will likely be allowed to return to those areas after extensive screening. Hamas terrorists will remain alone in the remaining 25% of the Strip, without a population to protect them with their bodies, without supplies, and under constant bombardment. A senior security official who spoke with Channel 12 said that “the goal is to make Gaza smaller and remove Hamas from its comfort zone”—disconnecting the terror group from the population. The official added that “we will create checkpoints and control points to filter out Hamas terrorists.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)