The Israeli military is deploying two reserve brigades to the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The brigades will join existing forces and engage in defensive and tactical missions, including the possibility of a ground invasion of Rafah, a city where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have sought refuge. The move comes as Israel seeks to destroy Hamas’ military and governing capabilities amidst growing international concern over the potential harm to civilians in a Rafah offensive. The Israeli military said the brigades have studied lessons from the fighting in Gaza and are prepared for the challenges ahead. The deployment follows violence in the West Bank, where Israeli forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian woman who approached soldiers with a knife near Hebron. The incident highlights the broader surge in tensions in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7th, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and the abduction of hundreds of hostages.
Israel Deploys Reserve Brigades for Potential Ground Invasion of Gaza’s Rafah
