IDF launches ground offensive in northern Gaza
The military continues to attack Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets across the Strip as the renewed combat entered its third day.
(JNS) Israel Defense Forces troops have initiated a ground operation along the coastal axis in the Beit Lahia area of northern Gaza, according to a joint statement from the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) on Thursday afternoon.
Ahead of the offensive, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on Hamas “military” infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch positions in the area. The operation marks an escalation in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF has also expanded its ground operations in central and southern Gaza as part of its effort to retake the Netzarim Corridor defensive zone between the north and south of the Strip.
On Thursday morning, IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee issued a warning on X, notifying Gaza residents of the operation and urging them to avoid travel along the Salah al-Din Road, the Strip’s main highway, which runs more than 28 miles, from the Rafah Crossing to Egypt in the south to the Erez Crossing to Israel in the north. Movement between northern and southern Gaza is only permitted via the parallel al-Rashid Street (the coastal road), he said.
Adraee emphasized that the IDF does not intend to harm civilians and advised residents to keep their distance from Israeli forces operating in the defensive zone and other military zones.
Israeli forces continue extensive operations across Gaza, carrying out numerous strikes on Wednesday and overnight. An airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying two Hamas operatives in southern Gaza, while additional strikes hit terrorist infrastructure, a surveillance post, and other militant targets, the IDF said.
The military said operations will persist to eliminate threats posed by terrorist organizations and ensure the security of Israeli citizens.
Israel resumed military operations in Gaza earlier this week after Hamas rejected U.S.-backed ceasefire extension proposals. The operation, dubbed “Strength and Sword,” began with a wave of heavy airstrikes targeting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad positions across the enclave.
The IDF confirmed on Wednesday that its ground forces had regained control of parts of the Netzarim Corridor, a key area dividing northern and southern Gaza. Soldiers from the Golani Infantry Brigade have been placed on standby for further operations. PJC
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