The IDF announced Friday its ground forces are expanding their activities in Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 massacre of some 1400 Israeli residents. The announcement came hours after Israeli forces conducted a second ground raid as many days and after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the country expects to launch a long and difficult ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory.
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The development also came after internet service in the Gaza Strip was cut, following a heavy round of Israeli airstrikes that lit up the night sky over the darkened territory. The Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which tracks the toll, released a detailed list, including names and ID numbers on Thursday.
More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. In addition, 229 people – including foreigners, children, and older adults – were taken by Hamas during the terrorist attack and remain in captivity in Gaza. Four hostages were released earlier.
Video: IDF troops raid Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday / Credit: IDF Spokesperson Unit
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army's spokesman, said aerial attacks had been targeting Hamas tunnels and other targets. "In addition to the attacks that we carried out in recent days, ground forces are expanding their activity this evening," he said. "The IDF is acting with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war."
Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive against the Hamas terrorist group.
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