Israeli armored units conduct overnight 'precision operations' in northern Gaza
Israel-Gaza war: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that their fighter jets conducted a series of airstrikes, hitting 250 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours. These targets included command centers, infrastructure, tunnels, and rocket launchers used by the Hamas militant group.
Additionally, the Israeli navy carried out a separate operation, successfully destroying a Hamas surface-to-air missile launch site in the Khan Younis area of Gaza, according to the IDF's statement.
In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza.
IDF tanks & infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts.
The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2023
In a recent development, a Hamas-run Telegram channel claimed that it had shot down an Israeli helicopter using a surface-to-air missile near the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza. However, the group did not provide evidence or specific timings to support this claim.
IDF says fighter jets struck over 250 Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip over the past day, including infrastructure, command centers, tunnels, and rocket launchers. pic.twitter.com/fCsywxwtNr — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 26, 2023
In response to Israel's calls for residents in Gaza City to evacuate, Lynn Hastings, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinians, issued a statement. She expressed concern for people who are unable to evacuate due to various reasons, emphasising that advance warnings may not be effective in such situations.
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Hastings noted that when evacuation routes are targeted, people on both sides of the conflict are affected, and essential resources for survival become scarce. She stressed the importance of adhering to international law, which requires the protection of civilians and their access to essential needs, regardless of their choice to move or stay. She also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The recent actions by the Israeli military, including the "targeted raid" and airstrikes, suggest a potential build-up to a ground invasion in Gaza. While the images show tanks and armored bulldozers, there is no direct visual evidence of ground combat.
The Israeli army's language in its statement is notably stronger than in previous operations, indicating that this incursion is part of preparations for what they term "the next stages of combat." This messaging is intended to maintain a sense of imminent ground incursion for several reasons:
To boost morale among Israeli forces on the ground. For domestic consumption, demonstrating a forthcoming response. To exert pressure on Hamas, particularly regarding ongoing hostage negotiations.
It's worth noting that this is not the first time the IDF has confirmed an incursion into Gaza since the recent escalation of hostilities, with previous raids and troop movements occurring since October 7. The situation remains dynamic, and the timing of a ground operation remains uncertain.
- With inputs from agencies
