Israeli Tanks Exchange Fire With Hamas Inside Gaza, Small Arms Clashes Heard, as Offensive Expands
It has become clear that the IDF has entered its next phase of battle operations, meaning a full ground assault, as heavy aerial bombardment continues. But Israeli officials in the last hours have dubbed this another “expanded” raid. The Biden White House is now making a show of wanting a more ‘humanitarian’ approach and has asked Israel to ensure only “surgical” strikes, and to allow the Strip access to aid.
There’s emerging evidence of tank fire and small arms fire at the border, after the IDF confirmed that ground forces are entering the next phase of their operations.”Palestinians claim Israeli tanks exchanging fire with gunmen inside Gaza.” Separately, other regional analysts reporting, “Anti-tank missiles have been fired at Israeli forces that entered Gaza.”
Hamas leadership has responded with a “call to arms” for Gaza and the West Bank. There have since been reports of large overnight protests by Palestinians in the territories. The fate of the over 220 Israeli and foreign hostages hangs in the balance, and reports suggest the US is still seeking to keep the negotiating process going even as Israel invades.
Footage released by Hamas terror group of intense clashes after Israel launched Ground Operation inside Gaza. pic.twitter.com/Nto73l48EK
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) October 27, 2023
Below: purported engagement between Hamas and Israeli tank forces at the border:
Palestinian al-Qassam brigades fire an ATGM at an Israeli Merkava tank in northern #Gaza strip. pic.twitter.com/ke6dhwikE6
— Majd Fahd 🇸🇾 (@Syria_Protector) October 27, 2023
White House NSC spokesman John Kirby said:
“All I can tell you is we want to see the hostages released,” he said.
The United States is offering military advice, Kirby added. But ultimately, he said, Israel is going to make its own decisions on the battlefield and answer for them.
“They have to drive the strategy that they have developed, operationally and then tactically,” he said.
Fox News’ foreign correspondent near the border has posted video of heavy exchanges of machine gun fire…
