In a simulation exercise, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been practicing an invasion of a replica of the Gaza Strip, known as “Mini Gaza,” in the Negev desert. This development comes as tensions continue to rise between Israel and Hamas. The Wall Street Journal reports that “Mini Gaza” has been constructed to resemble a typical Palestinian village, complete with low-rise buildings, replicas of mosques, and other structures commonly found in Gaza, totaling approximately 600 buildings.
The preparation for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip was previously announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On October 7th, Hamas forces launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, initiating the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation. Thousands of militants infiltrated Israeli territory, seizing dozens of military vehicles and over a hundred hostages. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that the country was in a state of war.
The IDF’s counter-operation has been named “Iron Swords,” with the objective of destroying Hamas. The Israeli Air Force has launched strikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli National Security Council has decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the region. On October 13th, Israel informed the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians must evacuate to the southern part of Gaza within 24 hours in anticipation of a ground operation.
Earlier, the United States had disclosed the potential timeline for Israel’s ground operation in Gaza.
