IDF Launches Ground Offensive into Gaza City, Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen

IDF Ground Offensive in Gaza City

• 🎯 The IDF has launched its long-anticipated ground offensive into Gaza City, aiming to defeat Hamas.
• 💥 Overnight, massive explosions and booming noises were heard and felt in central Israel, with smoke visible from southern cities.
• 🤖 Tanks rolled into Gaza City overnight as the IDF confirmed the beginning of the next phase of the war, codenamed "Gideon's Chariots B."
• 🏢 The operation targets what the IDF considers a Hamas stronghold, following days of strikes on buildings used for command and control.
• ⚠️ Gaza City is deemed a dangerous combat zone, with an estimated 40% of its 1 million residents having left so far.
• 🚫 Hamas is reportedly telling residents not to move south to humanitarian sites, forcing them to remain in harm's way.
• 🏗️ Gaza City is described as Hamas's central hub for military and governing power, with a vast network of tunnels beneath civilian infrastructure.
• 🤝 The IDF chief of staff stated that expanding the war is carrying out the highest moral duty to free the 48 hostages still in captivity.

Strikes in Yemen and Hostile Activity

• 🇾🇪 In addition to the Gaza offensive, Israel launched strikes in Yemen against the Iranian-backed Houthis.
• 🚢 The IDF confirmed striking military infrastructure targets in Yemen, specifically a port used by the Houthis to transfer weapons to attack Israel.
• 🚀 For weeks, the Houthis have attacked Israel with drones and ballistic missiles.
• 💥 An hour prior to the report, a ballistic missile launched from Yemen was successfully intercepted over central Israel, including Jerusalem.