ISRAEL has begun its full invasion of Gaza City as it aims to fully wipe out Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday.

IDF forces have successfully taken over the outskirts of the city, which is considered one of the final strongholds of the terror organization, according to Israeli military spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin.

Following a fierce confrontation with Hamas militants just south of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, Defrin announced their intention to “intensify the attacks on Hamas in Gaza City, a hub of terror activity.”

He added: “We will deepen the blows to the terror infrastructure above and below ground, and disconnect the reliance of the population on Hamas.

“We have commenced initial operations and the early stages of the assault on Gaza City, and at this point, IDF forces have secured the outskirts of Gaza City.”

The spokesperson also told how the IDF were “not waiting” and that initial operations were underway in the area.

He also said that the invasion would be launched against a “battered and bruised” Hamas.

It comes after the Israel Defense Forces called up 60,000 reservists in preparation for the assault on Wednesday.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to “expedite the timeline for capturing the remaining terrorist strongholds and achieving the defeat of Hamas”.

But the leader did not specify a timeline outlining when exactly the strongholds would be taken down.

Last week, Netanyahu said his plan to fully invade the enclave was “the best way to end the war”, stressing that his country had “no choice”.

He highlighted the terror group’s last two strongholds as Gaza City and camps n the al-Mawasi area along the coast.