Gaza faces tightening pressure. Israel intensifies operation
Israeli infantry and tanks launched assaults on Gaza from the east and west on Monday. Aerial strikes were carried out as well, which resulted in the killing of "dozens of Hamas terrorists," as reported by Reuters, citing statements from the Israeli Defense Forces and witness accounts. According to BBC correspondent Paul Adams, "the Israeli pressure on Gaza is starting to escalate."
Oct 29, 2023 | updated: 4:10 PM EDT, October 30, 2023
The Israeli Defense Forces have been sustaining their ground operation in the Gaza Strip over the previous hours, targeting and destroying terrorist infrastructure, such as anti-tank rocket launchers, as announced by the Israeli army in a statement. It was emphasized that over the last day, more than 600 targets have been hit in the enclave.
Israeli army spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that soldiers "killed dozens of terrorists who had fortified themselves in buildings and tunnels and tried to attack them." According to Hagari, among the casualties were four significant Hamas fighters who were eliminated in the operation.
Gaza faces increasing pressure
Israeli forces conducted numerous airstrikes on the eastern portion of Gaza City, as reported by Reuters, citing accounts from civilians. Some residents reported hearing tank movements in the city amid heavy gunfire.
Likewise, Reuters noted that according to residents of the Gaza Strip and Hamas-controlled media, Israeli tanks had later retreated to the barrier at the strip's border. Reports state that mortar fire provoked this retreat.
The BBC reported a verified recording showing an Israeli tank firing at a car on the main route leading southwest out of Gaza City. BBC correspondent Paul Adams estimated that Israeli forces are "gradually escalating operations," and that "pressure on Gaza City is starting to mount".
Second phase of Operation Iron Dome
Israeli forces broadened ground operations in the Gaza Strip on Friday, simultaneously repeating advisories for Palestinian civilians to evacuate the northern part of the region, including Gaza City, towards the south. As per the Israeli Defense Forces, Hamas fighters are allegedly hiding in an extensive network of tunnels beneath densely populated residential areas.
However, many Palestinians remained in Gaza City due to the fear of losing their homes and widespread panic caused by reports of Israeli bombardments in the southern parts of the enclave.
Following a brutal attack by the Palestinian organization Hamas, leading to the death of over 1,400 people and the kidnapping of more than 230 others, Israeli authorities imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip on October 7. As stated by the Hamas-led Ministry of Health, the ongoing war has led to the death of over 8,300 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
