The Israel Defense Forces launched a series of powerful ground and air operations overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, targeting Hamas infrastructure at multiple locations throughout Gaza. On Wednesday morning, Palestinian sources confirmed that IDF ground forces had begun entering Rafah in southern Gaza. According to the Al-Araby news outlet, the strikes in central and southern Gaza have resulted in 18 Palestinian fatalities.
Arab media outlets reported heavy artillery bombardment in Rafah described as a "ring of fire" pattern. Additional reports indicated IDF tanks had advanced into the city center in southern Gaza.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement Wednesday morning, "Operation Strength and Sword in Gaza is expanding to crush and clear the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure, and to capture extensive territories that will be annexed to Israel's security zones – I call on Gaza residents to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages. I wish success to the IDF soldiers fighting with courage and strength in Gaza for the return of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas."
According to multiple Arab sources, the IDF employed both aerial assets and artillery against designated targets. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces activated an intensive "ring of fire" in Rafah. Powerful strikes were also conducted in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and in Khan Younis. Initial reports indicated at least three Palestinians were killed in these operations.
Hezbollah-affiliated network Al-Mayadeen reported that alongside the intensive strikes in central and eastern Rafah, Israeli military vehicles had entered the area.
On Tuesday, preparations continued for deploying additional ground forces into Gaza according to the operational plan, which defense officials hope will increase pressure on Hamas. At this stage, the IDF has not yet mobilized reserve forces, meaning the current operational plan does not represent the most extensive level of action for which the military, under IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has prepared. Nevertheless, this marks a significant new phase in the ground operation component of Operation Strength and Sword, which began slightly over two weeks ago.
The primary objectives of this military activity include expanding the security perimeter surrounding Gaza while simultaneously capturing new territories in configurations different from those previously established.
