Israel Defence Force
Israel's Heart of Battle: Troops Surround Gaza City, Paying a Heavy Price
The Israel Defence Force (IDF) has made a significant advance into Gaza City, according to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. In a statement made on Thursday, Halevi revealed that Israeli troops are operating inside Gaza City and surrounding it from various directions, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
Israel orders ground offensive in Gaza; heavy shelling on border
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 17 instructed the military to begin a ground offensive in Gaza, an official statement from his office said.
Reuters witnesses and Gaza residents reported heavy artillery and naval shelling and helicopter fire along the Gaza border.