Over the past 24 hours, IDF forces in the Southern Command, both regular and reserve, have begun a broad ground operation throughout the northern and southern Gaza Strip, as part of the start of Operation "Gideon's Chariots."

Over the past week, the Air Force launched an opening strike, attacking more than 670 targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip in order to disrupt the enemy's preparations and assist the ground operation. Among the targets attacked were weapons depots, terrorists, an underground route, and anti-tank launch sites.
The Air Force continues to continuously assist the forces operating throughout the Gaza Strip.

To date, the forces have eliminated dozens of terrorists, destroyed terrorist infrastructure above and below the ground, and are now occupying controlled areas in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip as long as necessary to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.