In the wake of a progressively materializing ceasefire, IDF commanders in Gaza told soldiers Thursday to continue to seek out their targets and destroy them with full force.
Egyptian Report
Report: Israel 'green-lights' ceasefire / Roni Sofer
Diplomatic sources in Cairo say Defense Ministry official's visit will probably result in Israel's acceptance of Egyptian truce initiative in Gaza
Ground forces composed of Armored Corps and Engineering Corps soldiers began to edge closer to the center of Gaza City Thursday morning, with the aid of the Air Force.
Despite reports that Israel
was leaning towards accepting the Egyptian ceasefire proposal in Gaza, the army appeared to be stepping up its offensive, and an officer and two soldiers were lightly injured in the operations. They were evacuated to Israel for treatment.
Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Dan Harel and GOC Southern Command Yoav Galant visited troops in the northern Strip Thursday afternoon, accompanied by former Gaza Division chief, Brigadier-General Moshe Tamir.
IDF sources said the senior officers spoke to regular and reserve troops and told them to continue the operation with resolve in order to harm Hamas
and its foundations.
The sources said the goal of the final push was to bolster the achievements of the Gaza offensive, thus helping State officials to gain ground in ceasefire talks.
The IDF stated that all targets attacked during the operation were areas of Hamas activity, used by terror cells to fire at soldiers. The statement followed criticism expressed by the UN after one of its facilities and a hospital were attacked by the army.
"During the operation since the morning dozens of gunmen have been hurt. The operation continues to surprise Hamas, it is taking place in different areas with different strategies in keeping with defense guidelines and so the achievements are considerable," an IDF source said.
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