TEL AVIV: Israeli ground forces conducted a significant operation in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, targeting multiple Hamas facilities before withdrawing, the military said in a statement on what Israel’s Army Radio described as the largest incursion of the current war.
Video of the overnight action released by the military showed armoured vehicles moving through a sandy border zone. A bulldozer is seen levelling a raised bank, tanks fire shells, and explosions are seen near or amid a row of damaged buildings.
The military statement, which was published online, indicated that this incursion was carried out “in preparation for the next stages of combat,” possibly alluding to the threatened large-scale invasion by Israeli leaders as part of their campaign to dismantle Hamas. The statement also mentioned that the soldiers involved had exited the area and returned to Israeli territory.
These localized ground incursions began on Sunday, following the outbreak of the conflict, which began with a cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on October 7. Israel’s Army Radio described Thursday’s operation as the most extensive one so far. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Hamas in Gaza regarding this operation.
