TEL AVIV – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has carried out a “targeted raid” overnight in northern Gaza Strip using tanks.
It said the raid was carried out as part of “preparation for the next stages of combat” and struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts”, in a post on Thursday, sharing video of the operation.
“The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory,” it added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised speech that IDF forces are still preparing for a ground invasion, but did not give any clues as to the timing.
Israel told 1.1 million residents of Gaza City and other northern areas to leave for their own safety last week.
This is not the first time the IDF has confirmed an incursion into the Strip since Oct. 7.
On Oct. 13, the IDF announced raids into Gaza for the first time since the Hamas attacks, sending troops and tanks to attack Hamas rocket crews. This was the day it warned residents of the north to evacuate south.
On Oct. 22, one Israeli soldier was killed and three were injured by a missile launched towards an IDF tank during a raid into the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Lynn Hastings, the United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinians, responded to Israel telling people in Gaza City to leave.
“For people who can’t evacuate – because they have nowhere to go or are unable to move – advance warnings make no difference,” she said.
“When the evacuation routes are bombed, when people north as well as south are caught up in hostilities, when the essentials for survival are lacking, and when there are no assurances for return, people are left with nothing but impossible choices,” Hastings lamented.
Nowhere is safe in Gaza, she said, adding that the armed conflict should be governed by international law.
“This means that civilians must be protected and have the essentials to survive, wherever they are and whether they choose to move or stay. It also means that hostages – all hostages – must be released, immediately and unconditionally,” said Hastings./PN
