Israeli forces, including troops and tanks, conducted a brief incursion into northern Gaza overnight, as confirmed by the military on Thursday.

The operation involved engaging with Hamas fighters and targeting anti-tank weapons, with the intention of “preparing the battlefield” in anticipation of a forthcoming ground invasion.

This marks the third Israeli incursion since the commencement of the conflict, which followed over two weeks of devastating airstrikes resulting in a significant loss of life and the displacement of more than one million individuals from their homes within the densely-populated Gaza Strip.

On a separate note, the U.S. military carried out airstrikes early Friday in eastern Syria, targeting locations associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Associated Press reported.

The Pentagon cited these strikes as a response to drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases and personnel in the region that began in the preceding week.

Arab leaders jointly called for a ceasefire on Thursday, with the aim of ending the suffering of civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The region has been under a tight Israeli blockade since the outbreak of the conflict, which initially stemmed from Hamas’ activities and hostage-taking in southern Israel.

This prolonged blockade has led to critical shortages of food, water, medicine, and limited fuel for U.N. relief missions.

Written by staff