Israeli forces expand ground operations in Gaza
Israeli forces are expanding ground operations in northern Gaza this morning. The IDF claims that troops have eliminated numerous terrorists and dismantled a Hamas command center east of Gaza City. For more details, I’m joined by correspondent Dan Johnson.
the latest phase of this intensifying military operation is focused on the eastern side of Gaza City, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces have told Palestinian civilians in the area to evacuate. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) say they are facilitating the evacuation due to the intensifying military action targeting Hamas militants and their command and control infrastructure.
We’ve seen more and more Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire as military action has intensified across the Gaza Strip in the more than two weeks since Israel resumed airstrikes. IDF activity on the ground has increased as security zones have expanded.
These “no-go” areas are part of the security corridors Israel is trying to establish in order to target Hamas and put pressure on the organization while keeping Israel and its citizens safe. However, this has resulted in enormous displacement among Palestinians.
The United Nations reports that more than 280,000 Palestinians have been displaced over the past two weeks, and already today, 30 civilians have been killed. Hundreds have lost their lives in the past day or two. The loss of civilian life has been severe, but Israel insists it is determined to put pressure on Hamas.
it’s not just in Gaza that Israeli forces are intensifying their activities. We saw strikes overnight in Syria and southern Lebanon. Israel’s military confirmed it targeted a senior Hamas commander there.
Hassan Farhat, reportedly the commander of Hamas’ Western Libya Brigade, has been identified as having previously launched attacks into Israel. Israel is pleased to have taken him out.
This increase in military operations is part of the broader strategy to apply pressure on Hamas, with the goal of securing the return of Israeli hostages.
However, there is opposition not only within Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon but also from some of the hostage families in Israel, who believe this is not the right approach to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
Source: raialkhalij + aljazeera