An Israeli soldier is gesturing to a convoy tank crew crossing the road at the Gaza Strip border. Israel is deploying tanks, armored vehicles, and military heavy equipment in large numbers to southern Gaza and has cut off communication networks. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The Israel Defense Forces announced on the 18th (local time) that it has launched a large-scale ground operation across the Gaza Strip with the goal of neutralizing the Palestinian armed group Hamas.

According to Agence France-Presse, the Israel Defense Forces initiated extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza Strip on the same day with both active-duty and reserve troops. The Israel Defense Forces reported that it had eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled terrorist infrastructure while deploying troops to key areas.

Israel approved the 'Gideon's Chariot' operation on the 5th to retake the Gaza Strip and maintain territorial control.