Israel launches overnight raids in Gaza

New Delhi: As the conflict between Israel and Gaza reached its 20th day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out a “targeted raid” in northern Gaza overnight, deploying tanks in the operation.

Despite widespread anticipation of a ground invasion of Gaza, Israel has not launched such an invasion but has stated that this raid was conducted in preparation for the next stages of combat.

Media reported this is not the first time the IDF has confirmed an incursion into Gaza since the conflict began on October 7. On October 13, the IDF announced raids into Gaza, sending troops and tanks to target Hamas rocket crews. It was also on that day that residents in the northern areas were warned to evacuate to the south. More recently, on October 22, one Israeli soldier lost their life, and three others were injured by a missile launched at an IDF tank during a raid in the Gaza Strip.

Experts and observers say that the raid in north Gaza is termed a “shaping operation” by the military. All signs point to this overnight raid being a prelude to a much-anticipated and more extensive incursion that the Israeli government has been promising. Their goal is to decisively weaken or eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities.

Last night’s raid had multiple objectives, including gathering intelligence about the location of Hamas forward positions on the northern Gaza border, eliminating anti-tank firing posts, and identifying routes for future military actions.

Furthermore, this operation serves as a message to the public.  Following the criticism of intelligence and security failures that allowed Hamas to carry out an attack in southern Israel on October 7.

Despite troops being prepared for a ground invasion for weeks, several factors are holding back the order to proceed. Delicate negotiations are ongoing to secure the release of over 200 hostages. The U.S. has warned Israel about the potential for high casualties on both sides. Additionally, there is pressure from Washington to allow the U.S. military to position air defences around its bases in the Middle East, in anticipation of attacks by Iranian-backed militants once a full-scale Israeli incursion into Gaza commences.

Escalating Tensions in West Bank:

In the West Bank, a region not under the control of Hamas, the United Nations estimates that 95 individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 1,900 have sustained injuries since October 7. Local authorities report a slightly higher death toll.

In the aftermath of the initial Hamas attacks, there has been a surge in reports of attacks on Palestinians by Israeli soldiers. These actions have drawn condemnation, with U.S. President Joe Biden stating that such attacks are “pouring gasoline on fire.”

The West Bank has also witnessed deadly confrontations between Palestinian militants and Israeli security forces. To protect Jewish settlements, thousands of soldiers have sealed off Palestinian villages and established roadblocks. Israel has reported the arrest of nearly 1,000 individuals in the West Bank, with more than 600 of them alleged to be Hamas operatives. Armored Israeli vehicles are once again patrolling Nablus and Hebron during the nighttime hours.

Twelve more Trucks of Humanitarian Aid Enters Gaza

Today, the Palestinian branch of the Red Crescent reports that 12 trucks entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. These trucks were laden with essential supplies, including water, food, and medical provisions, providing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza. However, it’s worth noting that fuel, a critical resource, remains restricted as Israel prevents aid organizations from delivering it to the region.

Since October 21, a total of 74 aid trucks have been granted access to the Gaza Strip, according to the Red Crescent. This aid delivery serves as a lifeline for the local population, who continue to grapple with the challenges of the ongoing situation.