Israeli Tanks Entered Gaza Hours, IDF: Preparation For Next Stage Battle

Israeli tank illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The Israeli army carried out a planned tank attack in northern Gaza on Thursday, before leaving the enclave after hours, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Video published by IDF shows tanks and armored vehicles, including bulldozers, moving on roads near the fence on the border of the two countries.

The tanks were said to have opened fire, with some damage visible nearby.

The IDF said in a statement the attack was "part of preparations for the next stages of fighting," CNN reported October 25.

"The army left the location after the activity was completed," the statement continued.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Yahwi said the mission took "a few hours" and no one from the IDF was injured.

"Through the attack we eliminated the enemy, we neutralized threats, dismantled explosives, neutralized ambushes,"UNfortunately, as quoted by the BBC.

Another spokesman Peter Lerner described it as a major attack but its coverage was limited, saying it was a "clear and thorough operation meant to create better requirements for ground operations, if and when that happened."

"We are really fighting an enemy who plans to attack us with anti-tank missiles," he explained.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address, IDF forces were still preparing for a ground invasion, but gave no hint of the time.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi this week admitted that the ground attack on Gaza was delayed due to tactics and strategies, but promised to defend his country.

"We take every minute to be more prepared," he explained, quoted by The Times of Israel.

Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas said it was ready to face ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli military (IDF) awaits orders to carry out the offensive.

"The resistance group (Palestinians) have unity and strength, as they can control combat operations and have a high level of readiness to counter any ground aggression in Gaza," Hamas spokesman Abdel-Lative al-Qanoua said in a statement posted to Telegram as quoted by TASS.

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

In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northn Gaza. IDF tanks & influence trucks numerical terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missed launch posts. The figures have continued the area and returned to Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU