TEL AVIV, November 3 – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently focused on operations in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, but military actions could potentially extend to other regions of the enclave. This statement was made by Anna Ukolova, a spokesperson for the IDF reserves. According to Ukolova, it is known that Hamas infrastructure is not only located in the northern sector of Gaza, but also in the south. She stated, “The terrorist infrastructure of Hamas is not only in the north of the Gaza Strip. We are aware of the use of civilian objects in the south as well. At the moment, we are focused on the northern part of the sector, but if we need to attack other areas of the enclave, we will do so.” However, she assured that the IDF only strikes objects “used for terrorist purposes.” Ukolova stated that the military will do everything possible to achieve their goals – the destruction of Hamas infrastructure and the return of hostages. She referred to Hamas as a “strong adversary,” noting that ground forces are gradually advancing into the enclave. Ukolova mentioned that there are currently infantry brigades, armored and engineering troops operating in the enclave, supported by the Air Force and Navy. She added, “The army is currently in a state of maximum combat readiness. 360,000 reservists have been called up. Both conscripts and reservists are involved in the ground operation,” Ukolova said.
On October 27, the IDF spokesperson, Major General Daniel Hageri, announced the expansion of ground operations within the Gaza Strip. Prior to this, the operations were limited to individual raids by ground forces. Concurrently, the country’s military leadership declared the start of the third stage of military operations in the Gaza Strip, which mainly focuses on ground force operations. The first stage involved clearing Israeli territories that were infiltrated by Hamas fighters on October 7, while the second stage included airstrikes from the air and sea to inflict maximum damage on Hamas infrastructure.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is linked to territorial interests and has been a source of tension and conflict in the Middle East for many decades. The creation of two states – Palestine and Israel – was determined by a UN decision in 1947, with active involvement from the Soviet Union. However, only the latter was established. A new phase of confrontation began after Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7. Following the mass shelling, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of the Jewish state, where they opened fire on both military and civilian targets and took hostages. The military wing of the movement, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the launch of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation. In response, the IDF launched the “Iron Swords” operation in the Gaza Strip. For several days after the attack, Israeli forces took control of all populated areas near the border and began to carry out airstrikes on various targets, including civilian objects, within the enclave. Additionally, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza, suspending the supply of water, food, electricity, medication, and fuel. The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 8,800, with over 22,000 wounded. More than 1,400 people, including 20 Russians, have died in Israel. Furthermore, according to various estimates, around 240 people may be held captive by Hamas.
