Israel deploys hundreds of tanks, soldiers close to Gaza fence as ground offensive looms

Israel has deployed tanks and soldiers along the border fence with Gaza as a “ground offensive” of the besieged Gaza Strip loomed.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said four rockets of nine launched from Lebanese territory were intercepted, adding that several anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon towards Israeli forces.

The IDF added that in response to the attacks, Israeli forces targeted the site in Lebanon from where rockets were fired into Israel and also struck at Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure using tank fire.

The casualties reported so far indicate that 2,329 Palestinians, including 724 children, have lost their lives in Israeli air raids. On the Israeli side, the number of casualties resulting from Hamas’s military operation is reported as 1,300, including 286 soldiers.

The Israeli forces also claimed to have thwarted and dismantled a terrorist cell using a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) of the IDF. As Israel gears up for an all-out ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, one of the biggest challenges they face is Hamas’ extensive underground tunnel network in the area.

Several experts have warned that in the event of a ground offensive, Israel will lose the clear advantage it has over Hamas in terms of firepower, as it will have to fight the enemy on its terrain.