As the Israeli military enters the ground war in the Gaza Strip in earnest, reports have emerged that they are entering the Gaza Strip from at least three directions.
On the 30th (local time), the New York Times (NYT) said, “Based on the photos and data confirmed by our media, it appears that the Israeli military is currently entering deep into the Gaza Strip with a large armored unit,” and that the Israeli military is currently in at least three locations. It was reported that it was entering the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
First, a photo taken by the American satellite photography company ‘Planet Labs’ showed a large armored vehicle unit advancing from the coast of the border area in the northwestern Gaza Strip.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also announced the expansion of ground operations in the Gaza Strip the day before and released photos of armored units advancing toward the Gaza Strip from the Zikim coast in the same area.
The tanks and armored vehicles that entered the Gaza Strip through this area appear to be currently concentrated in Alcalama, north of Gaza City, the main city of the Gaza Strip.
Al-Karama is located less than 3.2 km away from Al-Shati refugee camp, the third largest in the Gaza Strip.
The NYT also reported that the Israeli army’s armored units have entered and are on standby near Beit Hanoun, on the northeastern edge of the Gaza Strip. Beit Hanoun has already suffered significant damage from Israeli airstrikes that have continued over the past few weeks.
The BBC reported that the Israeli army has built a defensive line in Beit Hanoun, concentrated troops around it, and is gradually advancing the front south toward Gaza City, the stronghold of Hamas.
In the south, Israeli forces entered Burez, fighting with Hamas. The Israeli army is expected to establish a temporary base here and slowly advance towards Gaza City along with the troops stationed in Beit Hanoun.
In addition, the NYT reported that Israeli armored vehicles were also deployed near Salah al-Din, the main highway that crosses the Gaza Strip from north to south.
Local media outlet Israel Hayom also uploaded a video showing IDF soldiers entering the northern part of the Gaza Strip and raising a flag on a house.
Meanwhile, the total number of deaths in Gaza due to the war between Israel and Hamas was calculated to be 8,005. Israel said there were 239 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.