What You Need To Know:
After a meeting with the Israeli National Security Cabinet, IDF and Prime Minister Netanyahu it has been announced in a press service that a closed military zone is to be formed in the Gaza Strip. Israeli citizens have received phone notifications to evacuate 7 settlements in the area and take shelter in predetermined locations.
In the statement, the Prime Minister claims, “We embarked on a long and difficult war. The war was imposed on us by a murderous attack by Hamas. The first phase ends in these hours by destroying most of the enemy forces that have penetrated our territory. At the same time, we started the offensive formation and it will continue unreservedly and without respite until the objectives are reached. We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win.”
The announcement comes after settlements surrounding the Strip have been under a constant barrage of rocket fire, in retaliation to IDF strikes on reported Hamas operational centers in Gaza. The Al-Qassam claimed to have targeted the Israeli settlement of Ashkelon with over 100 rockets thus far.
Israeli Fears of a United Front:
Additionally, there are fears of the opening up of a ‘northern front’ along the border with Lebanon, after Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hezbollah released a statement declaring, “in the name of Allah, all resistance combat units throughout Syria and Lebanon were put on war alert by the Issuance of an order from Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah. The resistance is ready to start the final battle in a united front.” A statement released earlier today by US President Biden warns “any party hostile to Israel that tries to take advantage of the situation. Our administration’s support for Israel is stable and strong, and I remain in close contact with Netanyahu.”
??Paramilitary units of "Hezbollah" are spotted in the south of Lebanon, the northern border with Israel pic.twitter.com/GXY6UMV1mm
— ??Ukrainian Front (@front_ukrainian) October 7, 2023
BREAKING: BIDEN COMES OUT IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL
“We stand ready to offer support for Israel.” pic.twitter.com/LD99DCscy9
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) October 7, 2023
Additionally, various M109A5 self-propelled artillery units have been filmed heading towards the southern city of Sderot, due to an ongoing firefight between the IDF and militants.
???? Israel is moving M109A5 self-propelled artillery units near Sderot. pic.twitter.com/N2JLXiJpx9
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) October 7, 2023
An Israeli bulldozer is operating against a police station where terrorists are located in Sderot. pic.twitter.com/wsIw2EEMHf
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023
An IDF Merkava tank in the southern Israeli city of Sderot. pic.twitter.com/1zuQv453yh
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 7, 2023