Israeli forces, preparing for a possible ground offensive into the Hamas-ruled area, launched ground attacks in Gaza for the second time in two days, targeting the city’s outskirts. The Israeli Army gave this information on Friday.
During this period, American fighter planes also attacked some places in eastern Syria. The Pentagon, the office of the US Defense Ministry, said that air strikes were carried out early Friday on targets belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
These air strikes were carried out in response to drone and missile attacks on US military bases and personnel in the region last week. These attacks have further increased regional tension regarding the Gaza war.
The Health Ministry said more than 7,000 Palestinians, including more than 2,900 minors and more than 1,500 women, have been killed in Israeli strikes in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Hamas launched an unexpected attack in southern Israel on October 7, in response to which Israel carried out several devastating air strikes.
Nearly 4,000 people were killed in all four previous attacks between Israel and Hamas.
According to the Israeli government, more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel during the initial attack by Hamas. Hamas has taken at least 229 people captive in Gaza.
Following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel earlier this month, Gaza has been under severe siege and is running out of food, water and medicines.
The Israeli army said that ground forces attacked dozens of militant positions inside Gaza in the last 24 hours. He said that during this time, Shijaiyah, on the outskirts of Gaza city, was bombed by planes and cannons.
The army said that after carrying out the attacks, the military personnel came out of the area without any damage.
Earlier on Thursday, the army had said that during ground attacks, soldiers attacked Hamas fighters, positions and tank destroyer missile sites.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the strikes “exposed the enemy” and targeted militants. He said the purpose of these attacks was to ‘prepare the ground for the next phase of the war’.