On Thursday, October 26, Israeli forces have begun to make their way into Gaza to conduct a preliminary incursion. This is the largest raid that’s been conducted since declaring war against Hamas after they initially invaded and attacked Israel on October 7.
This aggressive move is in response to high domestic pressure and is an effort to rescue hostages in Hamas captivity and eliminate the terrorist organization entirely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a televised address Wednesday, asserting that Israel will be conducting a ground invasion but did not specify when or how this would occur. With these developments, it appears that tensions between Israel and Hamas are escalating as the air force continues to launch airstrikes against Gaza with unprecedented intensity.
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
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that the tank-led raid aimed at destroying obstacles for “the next stages of fighting” was conducted without any injury to Israeli soldiers. The number of hostages in Hamas control has been estimated at 224, though their identities have yet to be confirmed.
In addition, there have been delays due to efforts being taken by both sides to negotiate hostage releases and establish a humanitarian corridor into and out of Gaza while the Biden Administration requested Netanyahu postpone further action until additional air defense systems were sent throughout the Middle East where U.S. troops are stationed.
For weeks prior to Thursday’s raid IDF personnel had already begun training exercises along the border with Gaza as part of preparations for an impending invasion. The New York Times reports 7,000 targets have been hit by Israeli forces so far during this conflict, making it one of the most intense operations against Gaza in recent decades.
It remains unclear what will happen next but one thing seems certain—tensions between Israel and Hamas are continuing to increase as invasions seem imminent.
