In a significant escalation of Operation Swords of Iron, the IDF's 282nd Artillery Division, in coordination with the 188th Brigade, has made its first foray into the Gaza Strip, marking a new phase in Israel's ongoing efforts to neutralize terror threats. The division conducted operations in the strategically important Shejaia neighborhood of Gaza City, targeting over 20 terror sites, including weapon warehouses and Hamas military infrastructure.
The IDF's precision and strategic acumen were on full display as they published footage of the artillery forces' meticulous operations. Israeli forces continue to push deeper into Hamas's stronghold of Khan Younis, with the Israeli Air Force playing a crucial role in striking terror infrastructure and underground tunnel shafts. Notably, a drone-assisted operation successfully neutralized an armed terror cell poised for an attack.
IDF: For the first time since the beginning of ground operations: The Artillery Corps is operating inside the Gaza Strip
โ Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) December 10, 2023
Since the start of the war, the Artillery Corps has been operating on the border of the Gaza Strip, assisting the ground forces with fire support forโฆ pic.twitter.com/ZuoeWv4ezN
Despite the challenges of urban warfare, the IDF's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties remains steadfast. Reports of casualties, such as the bombing in Khan Younis, are being investigated with the utmost seriousness, reflecting the complexity of combat in densely populated areas.
The comprehensive nature of the IDF's operations over the past 24 hours is evident in the over 250 terror targets struck across Gaza. This includes the discovery and destruction of weapon stocks and terror tunnel shafts, showcasing the IDF's multifaceted approach in thwarting attacks and dismantling terror networks.
A poignant moment in the operation was the targeted raid in Shejaiya, where IDF troops uncovered a Hamas command center, seizing an arsenal of weapons. Dramatic footage released by the IDF highlights the valor of the Nahal Infantry Brigadeโs 931st Battalion in direct confrontations with Hamas operatives in Jabalia.
The Stolen Humvee Was Retrieved โ And Then Some โ๐ฝ
โ Adam Albilya - ืืื ืืืืืืื (@AdamAlbilya) December 10, 2023
๐ Shejaiya, Gaza pic.twitter.com/VjkaTJpeYW
In a remarkable display of the IDF's effectiveness, social media footage showed dozens of Hamas terrorists surrendering to Israeli forces at the UNRWA compound in Jabalia โ a testament to the IDF's strategic prowess and psychological impact on enemy combatants.
The IDF's recent operations have also dealt a significant blow to Hamas's leadership, with the elimination of several high-ranking members, further destabilizing the terror organization's command structure.
As we in Israel all honor the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers, including Master Sergeant Liav Atiya, Master Sergeant Omri Ben Shahar, Sergeant Maor Cohen Eisenkot, Staff Sergeant Jonathan Dean Jr Haim, and Staff Sergeant Haim Meir Eden, we are reminded of the heavy price paid for Israel's security. Their stories, along with those of the other courageous soldiers, resonate deeply with a nation united in the pursuit of peace and safety.
Today, we announce the death of 5 IDF soldiers:
โ Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 10, 2023
๐ฏ๏ธMSG (Res.) Liav Atiya, a 25-year-old combat soldier in the 6623 Battalion, fell in battle in southern Gaza.
๐ฏ๏ธMSG (Res.) Omri Ben Shachar, a 25-year-old combat soldier in the 6623 Battalion, fell in battle in southern Gaza.โฆ pic.twitter.com/T74gp00f0e
The IDF's actions, while crucial for Israel's immediate security, also set the stage for a future where such operations contribute to a lasting peace in the region. The resilience and resolve demonstrated by the IDF and the Israeli people in the face of terror reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our nation's safety and sovereignty.
