The Israeli military has “increased” its military attacks in Gaza on Friday night local time, intensifying its air operations while also expanding ground activity.
The increase, which may represent the beginning of the offensive, comes nearly three weeks after the unprecedented Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel that left roughly 1,400 people dead and ultimately prompted the war.
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“In recent hours, we have increased the attacks in Gaza,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said. “The Air Force widely attacks underground targets and terrorist infrastructure, very significantly. In continuation of the offensive activity we carried out in the last few days, the ground forces are expanding the ground activity this evening. The IDF works powerfully in all dimensions in order to achieve the goals of the war.”
Over the past two nights, Israel conducted limited raids into Gaza to improve the conditions for the offensive.
Israeli leaders have talked about a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip for about two weeks, though the timeline has seemingly been pushed back amid a variety of factors, including the more than 200 hostages Hamas and other terror groups involved in the attacks took back to Gaza.
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Israeli officials have said the aim of their military operation, the first stage of which included the launching of thousands of rockets into Gaza at Hamas’s leaders and infrastructure, is to destroy the terror group and remove them from power in Gaza.
When Israeli forces ultimately enter Gaza, they will face tough conditions. Hamas embeds itself into the civilian population, has a significant underground tunnel system, and will likely use booby traps and improvised explosive devices.
