Welcome to the PDPT-B situation report. I'm Mike Baker. Your eyes and ears on the world stage.

All right. Let's get briefed. We'll start things off with Israel's renewed

focus on Gaza. Now, after declaring victory over Iran, the Israeli military is now targeting

what remains of Hamas leadership. But nearly two years into the war, is Israel any closer to

eliminating Hamas for good? Author Seth Frenchrenzman joins us to break it down.

Later in the show, a Chinese spy ring uncovered on American soil. This is me wearing my shocked face.

Two Chinese nationals are accused of targeting U.S. Navy personnel and recruiting others to help gather

Intel for Beijing's Ministry of State Security.

Arthur Gordon Chang, good friend of the show, joins us for more on that.

But first, our situation reports spotlight.

Now that Israel's war with Iran has cooled, at least for now, the focus is once again back on Gaza.

Earlier this week, the Israeli defense forces announced the

death of Khakam Mohamed Issa, as a co-founder of Hamas, and head of its combat support headquarters.

Now, it's another blow, obviously, to Hamas' leadership, but despite the loss, the group still

controls much of the civilian population and key territory across the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, quote, there will be no more Hamas. It's over.

We will free all our hostages and eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations, end quote.

But after nearly 21 months of war, is Israel any closer to that goal? And is it even possible?

Joining us now is Seth Fransman, author of the October 7 War. Seth, thank you very much for

taking the time to join us here on the Situation Report. Let's start in sort of at the 30,000 foot

view here. I would like your perspective on where we are. There's start in sort of at the 30,000 foot view here. I would like your perspective on

where we are. There's rumblings of rekindled ceasefire discussions at the same time. Prime Minister

...