ISRAEL has launched two new assaults in Gaza as tanks and troops stormed into two neighbourhoods said to be Hamas “strongholds”.
Footage released by the IDF showed troops engaged in intense gun battles as they entered Zeitoun and Jabalia with full force.
The IDF released footage shows tanks battling through the streets of Gaza
IDF claims it is now expanding its ground offensive operations across the Gaza Strip
Israeli troops have entered Zeitoun and Jabalia which are known to be Hamas’ strongholds
Israel says it has blown up a bomb factory used by a terrorist group in Gaza
Map showing Israeli troops expanding into Zeitoun and Jabalia
One video showed the soldiers returning fire at Hamas terrorists who fired multiple rounds of RPGs at them in Zeitoun.
In a statement, the IDF said its Southern Command “continues expanding its operational activities in additional neighbourhoods” and is working to “target terrorists and strike Hamas infrastructure.”
“Additional troops are operating on the outskirts of Zeitoun, including Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal, clearing the areas from terrorists and striking terror infrastructure,” it added.
Meanwhile, another division of Israeli troops is currently operating on the outskirts of Jabaliya – where some 1.6 million Gazans have been displaced since October 7.
Both areas house multiple command and control centres of Hamas – and are among the most significant terror strongholds, according to Israel.
Several Hamas operatives “intentionally operate from within civilian areas,” and attempt to attack the troops using anti-tank missiles and explosive devices, it has been reported.
It comes as hundreds of civilians and health workers fled Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital on foot today after Israeli troops issued the order to evacuate the place.
Health officials in Gaza have said that “many” patients, medical staff and displaced people have now left the hospital – after conflicting reports this morning.
Al-Shifa hospital has become the new focus of the Israel-Hamas war as Israel claims it is a façade for a Hamas stronghold – something the Hamas have repeatedly denied.
The Israeli trooped claimed on Wednesday they had found weapons in the hospital – evidence, they say, to support their claims.
Meanwhile, Israel said it had blown up a bomb factory used by a terrorist group in Gaza.
The IDF released shocking footage showing the enormous explosion tearing through a built-up area in the Strip.
IDF officials said the site was used by the extremist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) – a terrorist organisation based in Gaza which is distinct from Hamas.
According to the Israeli military, the post was a “major asset for weapon production” for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist group.
Israeli troops found two trucks full of weapons, including highly destructive rocket parts, UAVs, and other intelligence material that belonged to PIJ, it was reported.
Meanwhile, some 30,000 marchers – family members of those missing and held hostage in Gaza – marched from Tel Aviv to reach the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Saturday.
Upon entering the capital city, marchers were greeted by residents of the city holding yellow balloons printed with the words “Bring them home.”
It comes as Palestinian civilians have been left fleeing for their lives as Israel attempts to destroy Hamas after the terror group massacred 1,200 civilians on October 7.
Families living in Gaza have been caught in the brutal crossfire, with regular accusations that the terrorists are attempting to use them as “human shields”.
Much of the northern part of the strip has been turned into a devastated warzone – with ruined buildings, dwindling supplies and horrific suffering for Gaza’s people.
According to The Red Cross, some 1.5 million civilians have been forced to flee south amid the Israeli onslaught from land, air and sea.
Figures for the death toll remain unverified – but Hamas’ health officials claim more than 11,000 civilians, including more than 4,500 children have been killed.
Israel disputes these figures – and US President Joe Biden said he had “no confidence” in them.
But Benjamin Netanyahu admitted Israel has “not been successful” in reducing civilian casualties.
He said the deaths, however, must be blamed on Hamas – not Israel.
And as the horror continues there have been growing calls for a humanitarian ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.
Protesters marched from Tel Aviv to reach the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on SaturdayRex
AlamyThey were greeted by residents of the city holding yellow balloons printed with the words ‘bring them home’[/caption]