Israeli tanks were observed near the border between Israel and Gaza on Friday, October 20, as mounting tension raised concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant addressed troops gathered at the Gaza border on Thursday, October 19, indicating that they might soon operate within the Palestinian enclave. This statement suggested that an imminent ground invasion with the objective of neutralizing Hamas could be on the horizon.
Israel has been moving closer to a potential full-scale invasion of Gaza, a densely populated region under the rule of Hamas. The Israeli military has concentrated troops and equipment near the Gaza border in recent days.
Following an attack by Hamas gunmen on Israeli towns and kibbutzes on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,400 Israelis and the taking of numerous hostages, Israel has responded with airstrikes and placed the 2.3 million people living in the enclave under siege.
