CNN
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Israeli tanks were caught up in parts of central Gaza on Monday, according to Israeli media, aid agencies and witnesses.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) declined to comment on the operation. However, Israeli Army Radio said the operation had begun. IDF’s Golani Brigade said last night that “we began ground operations in southern Deir Al-Balah,” where air and artillery attacks were preceded.
Army Radio said, “At this stage, the operation will only include one brigade and is expected to last several weeks.”
On Sunday, Israeli forces ordered the Palestinians to evacuate an area of nearly six square kilometers (2.3 square miles) and drop thousands of leaflets on Deial Balau.
An IDF Arabic spokesman said the military “continues to operate with great forces to destroy enemy capabilities and terrorist infrastructure. It has expanded its activities in the region and is operating in areas that have not previously been operating.”
Israeli media reports that the IDF had previously reluctantly carried out a ground operation at Deir Al-Balah, fearing it would further put surviving hostages who could be held there.
The Hostage Family Forum said Monday that it was wary of reports that the attack had begun and explained to the government why “attacks in the Deial Borough region do not put hostages in a serious risk.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
