The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have initiated a new phase of their military operation in Gaza, this time focusing on the southern part of the region. The northern part of Gaza has already been decimated by relentless bombardment over the past several weeks. Yesterday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out more than 250 air strikes on targets within the Gaza Strip, marking almost two months of continuous warfare.
In this latest offensive, the IDF ground forces are conducting operations within a 365 sq km area of land, with the support of Merkava IV tanks for assault and Close Air Support (CAS) from the air force. The IDF has released a video showcasing their ground and air offensive, highlighting their tactics of seizing weapons and clearing hideouts used by Hamas operatives.
One of the primary targets of the IDF has been rocket launch pads in the Gaza Strip. Aerial strikes have successfully destroyed two of these launchers, which were responsible for firing a barrage of rockets into Israeli territory. Video footage captured by thermal cameras shows rockets hitting the launchers, followed by massive explosions. The IDF has also conducted airstrikes on identified “Hamas terror cells” within Gaza.
The airstrikes in Deir al-Balah have resulted in the deaths of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives, according to Israel. The primary goal of these airstrikes is to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure, including their complex tunnel network and hidden positions within the Gaza Strip.
To ensure the safety and success of the ground assault, the air force is providing close support to infantry and armored units. Several Merkava tanks equipped with “cope-cages” (metal roofs protecting tanks from drone strikes) are operating within the narrow lanes of Gaza. This defensive measure aims to prevent vulnerability to drone and Molotov attacks, although it is not foolproof.
Engaging in combat within built-up areas, such as Gaza, presents significant challenges for the Israeli ground forces and armored units. The dense population and structures make for lethal urban warfare scenarios. The presence of Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers, and bulldozers near the city of Khan Yunis has forced already displaced civilians to flee once again.
The ground troops are utilizing drones to track the movements of Hamas operatives, providing valuable intelligence for the air force to conduct airstrikes. Simultaneously, tanks and self-propelled artillery are bombarding the region to provide cover for the ground troops and weaken identified targets.
The IDF has released several videos that allege Hamas has been using hospitals, schools, and mosques to hide weapons. They have struck an “armed terror cell” operating near a school in northern Gaza and discovered an additional weapons cache in the same area. The IDF has also recovered weapons and ammunition from these locations. The videos demonstrate the destruction caused by airstrikes, including the uncovering of explosive triggers found in a classroom.
These operations have resumed following the end of a ceasefire truce between Hamas and Israel last week.
