Fierce Clashes Deep In Gaza
By Worthy News’ George Whitten and Stefan J. Bos
JERUSALEM/GAZA (Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel, where he was due to hold discussions with the Israeli government after fierce overnight clashes in Gaza.
Israel’s army said early Friday that it clashed with “multiple terrorist squads inside Gaza overnight.”
Soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion and the Armored Corps’ 53rd Battalion were involved in the fighting, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said.
“The terrorists fired anti-tank missiles at the troops, activated a number of [Improvised Explosive Devises] IEDs, and attempted to climb onto one of the troop’s vehicles,” the IDF explained.
“Soldiers on the ground directed aircraft and artillery strikes—neutralizing the terrorists and their threats.”
It came as the military said it has “completed the encirclement of Gaza City” and has been attacking outposts, headquarters, and other Hamas infrastructure.
Israel also announced the deaths of four more soldiers fighting in the ground offensive, bringing the reported toll to 23.
FIERCE CLASHES
Troops were reportedly fighting in three main areas in the Gaza Strip, including around Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold.
Forces were seen in “Gaza’s northeastern part around Beit Hanoun, the northwestern region in Al Karama heading towards Al Rashid, and the southern area near Gaza City.
Witnesses cited Israeli tanks “moving in at the Salah al-Din Netzerim intersection” with the “aim to attack Gaza City.”
With fighting intensifying, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said more than 9,000 people have died in the enclave since October 7, when Israel launched retaliatory strikes.
Israel pledged to destroy “terrorist organization Hamas” after it killed 1,400 people and kidnapped more than 200 others.
However, the IDF said it’s targeting Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels and rocket launchers, and is trying to minimize civilian deaths.
Despite ongoing clashes, Gazans working in Israel will reportedly be sent back to the enclave, the Israeli government reportedly said.
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