Israeli Military Expedition Uncovers Devastated Structures, Uprooted Trees, and Discovered Former Weapons Facility in Northern Gaza

Israeli Tank Rolls Through Gaza Strip After 12 Days of Heavy Fighting

The northern Gaza Strip is a scene of devastation as the Israeli military escorted international journalists through the area to witness the aftermath of 12 days of intense fighting. The conflict began when Gaza’s Hamas rulers launched a deadly cross-border attack on October 7, resulting in the death of over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of more than 240 others. In response, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes before launching a ground operation on October 27.

Lieutenant Colonel Ido, whose last name was withheld for security reasons, expressed the toll the fighting has taken on Israeli soldiers, saying, “It’s been a long two weeks of fighting. We’ve lost some soldiers.”

The initial focus of the operation was the northern Gaza Strip, near the Israeli border, before moving into Gaza City, which Israel claims is the center of Hamas’ military operations. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that 10,500 people have been killed in the Hamas-run territory, while Israel argues that several thousand Hamas militants are among the dead. Israel also accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields, placing responsibility for the high death toll on the militant group. Hamas, however, denies these allegations.

The journalists were transported in a windowless armored vehicle during their tour of Gaza. A screen inside displayed images of the shoreline, damaged buildings, and fallen trees. Motionless Israeli tanks and armored vehicles filled the area as soldiers patrolled.

During the tour, the Israeli army discovered ammunition and a weapons-making facility inside one building. Though much of the lab had been removed, remnants of rockets, which had been launched at Israel during the fighting, were still visible.

Surprisingly, one floor above the weapons lab appeared to be a children’s bedroom. The brightly colored pink room featured multiple beds, a doll, and a Palestinian flag.

While gunfire could be heard during the journalists’ time in Gaza, they did not witness any live fire. Israeli troops cautioned the journalists against excessive movement.

Prior to the ground offensive, the army ordered civilians to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip. Though approximately 70% of Gaza’s population is believed to have fled their homes, around 300,000 people have chosen to remain behind, according to U.N. officials.

In the northern Gaza Strip, the military’s evacuation order seemed to have been effective. “We have not seen any civilians here – only Hamas,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Ido, noting that militants had been observed operating aboveground and emerging from their underground tunnel system. “We gave all the people that live here a good heads-up that we’re coming,” he added.