Heavy clashes as Israeli tanks approaching Gaza City
- Hamas says Israeli tanks and bulldozer leave outskirts of Gaza City after heavy clashes were reported.
- Fears of a possible strike on Gaza’s Al-Quds Hospital grow after Israel ordered its “immediate” evacuation and as bombardment continues.
Israeli army spokesperson gives news briefing
Here are the latest from Daniel Hagari’s latest news briefing:
On the ground offensive:
- The army has expanded its ground operation with more forces entering into Gaza with ground forces, tanks, infantry and armored forces moving deeper into the strip.
- Dozens of Hamas fighters were killed overnight.
- Ground troops are being back by airstrikes.
- The military is constantly assesing the situation, “progressing gradually according to our operational plans”
- The offensive will continue and intensify.
On captives, military casualties:
- The number of people now identified as captives inside Gaza is now 239.
- At least 312 Israeli soldiers were killed since October 7.
On mass arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank:
- Earlier this morning an Israeli air raid attacked “several” Hamas fighters in the Jenin refugee camp.
- Dozens of armed group’s fighters were arrested, adding to the already 700 Hamas fighters arrested in the occupied territories since the war started.
- At least 1,070 suspects have been arrested so far.
Israeli tanks ‘forced to retreat’
The Israeli tanks approaching outskirts of Gaza City have now retreated, according to the head of the Hamas government office in Gaza.
“There’s absolutely no ground advance inside the residential neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip. What happened on Salah al-Din Street was the incursion of a few occupation army tanks and a bulldozer,” Salama Maarouf said in a statement.
“These vehicles targeted two civilian cars on Salah al-Din Street and bulldozed the street before the resistance forced them to retreat. There is currently no presence of occupation army vehicles on Salah al-Din Road, and citizen movement has returned to normal on the road.”
Policeman injured in stabbing attack in Jerusalem: Report
Eli Levy, Israeli police spokesperson, says an armed man tried to stab a police officer in the Sheikh Jarrah area of occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli media have reported.
After a shot chase, Israeli forces “naturalized” the attacker, Levy said.
The policeman’s condition is serious but stable, according to the report
Tanks moving towards Gaza City, communication cut
A short while ago, Israel started the second phase of its war on Gaza. A large number of tanks moved in from the southeastern part of Gaza, advancing towards the west.
They are now close to a junction that connects various parts of Gaza. If they reach and take control of the junction, they will effectively divide the south and north of Gaza, significantly hampering the movement of people.
Israeli forces issued a warning instructing people not to travel between the south and north of Gaza. Sources have also reported tanks moving from the northern part of Gaza towards Gaza City.
We are currently unable to contact individuals in Gaza City, as the Israelis have cut off communication. Phone and internet services have been disabled.
