The Israeli army has announced that it conducted a military operation in the northern region of Gaza as part of its preparations for future combat phases.
In a post on social media site X, it said IDF tanks and infantry struck "numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile posts."
Soldiers are said to have returned to Israeli territory.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his country was preparing a ground invasion of Gaza, and that "we are working against the clock" in preparations to destroy Hamas.
"We are in a war for our sovereignty, for our existence, and we have set ourselves two fundamental objectives: to eradicate Hamas's military and governmental capabilities and to do everything possible to bring the hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group back home," Netanyahu said in a televised address.
UN fails to pass resolution on Israel Hamas war - again
The UN Security Council has failed to address the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, rejecting rival United States and Russian resolutions.
Washington's resolution reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence, urged respect for international laws — especially protection of civilians — and called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver desperately needed aid to Gaza.
10 countries on the 15-member council voted in favour, three were against and two abstained.
