Israeli Ground Operation in Gaza Strip Targets Hamas Terrorists and Infrastructure
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted overnight ground operations in the Gaza Strip, engaging in clashes with Hamas terrorists, according to The Times of Israel. No soldiers were reported injured during the confrontations. The IDF claims to have eliminated several Hamas terrorists and destroyed infrastructure belonging to the terrorist group.
The ground operation is ongoing, as IDF infantry, combat engineering forces, and tanks remain inside the Gaza Strip. The IDF refers to this operation as an “expanded ground activity,” rather than a full ground offensive.
Meanwhile, IDF fighter jets have also launched attacks on around 150 underground targets in the northern Gaza Strip. These attacks resulted in the elimination of Hamas terrorists and the destruction of combat tunnels, underground combat spaces, and other underground terrorist infrastructures.
One of the targets in the airstrike was Asem Abu Rakaba, the Head of Hamas’ Aerial Array, who was responsible for various Hamas aerial activities. IDF claims that Abu Rakaba was involved in planning the October 7 massacre and commanded the terrorists who infiltrated Israel on paragliders. He was also responsible for drone attacks on IDF posts.
Due to Israeli bombardment, Palestinian reports from Gaza have been scarce, with disruptions in internet and phone services.
The extent of the IDF’s operation in Gaza remains uncertain as the situation unfolds. In the city of Ashkelon, near the Gaza border, heavy bombardment, sustained artillery fire, and the sounds of fighter jets were heard during what appeared to be the most intense night of fighting in the ongoing war with Hamas.
The IDF announced on Friday that it was “expanding ground operations” in the Gaza Strip and “operating forcefully,” but did not provide specific details about the number of troops involved. This announcement comes after the events of October 7, in which Hamas killed over 1,400 people and took around 200 hostages. It is unclear if the expanded operation marks the beginning of a significant Israeli ground offensive.
Despite the IDF’s actions, Hamas terrorists continued to launch rockets into Israel overnight, with alarms indicating incoming rockets in towns north of Gaza. However, the situation on Saturday morning saw a reduction in the sounds of war, with only sporadic explosions heard in the distance.
An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed the IDF’s expansion of ground operations in Gaza, emphasizing the determination to target the entirety of the Hamas terror and governing infrastructure within the Gaza Strip. The upcoming days are expected to be challenging as Israel intensifies its efforts against Hamas.