Israeli tanks conducted a targeted raid in northern Gaza as part of their preparations for a potential ground invasion, amidst escalating tensions and violence in the region.
Israeli tanks took part in a “targeted raid” overnight in northern Gaza, the army said in a statement on Thursday, October 26, as it prepared its forces for a ground invasion.
“Overnight, the IDF conducted a targeted raid using tanks in the northern Gaza Strip as part of preparations for the next stages of combat,” the army said.
“The soldiers exited the area at the end of the activity.”
Late Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that along with the heavy bombing campaign of Hamas-controlled Gaza, “we are preparing for a ground offensive.”
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According to Israeli officials, on October 7, Hamas militants from Gaza infiltrated Israel, resulting in the death of 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and the kidnapping of 222 others.
More than 6,500 Gazans have already died in Israel’s aerial assault, according to figures released by the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the territory.
According to the Israeli military, during the overnight raid, “soldiers located and struck numerous terrorists, terror infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts, and operated to prepare the battlefield.”
A spokesman for the military confirmed to AFP this was not the first time Israeli soldiers and tanks had entered Gaza for limited incursions since October 7.
Gabriela De La Cruz, with AFP
