Israeli Tanks Prepare for New Gaza Offensive

Jerusalem, 2 May, 2024 (TPS) -- The Israeli military stands ready for the long expected assault in a Rafah. Located on the southernmost end of the Gaza Strip, Rafah is the last population center in Gaza that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not entered since the start of the Iron Swords war against Hamas terrorists almost seven months ago.

There has been growing international pressure for Israel not to enter Rafah, but a let up in the fighting over the past few weeks has allowed many of the civilians there to leave the area.

The IDF redeployed many of its forces out of Gaza for a rest and for the Passover holiday.

After the latest negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas broke down, the likelihood of an IDF incursion into Rafah is considered high.

Here IDF tanks can be seen as they stand ready in southern Israel near the Gaza border for a possible new ground offensive.

Southern Israel, May 1, 2024.
Photo by Noam Shaar/TPS