Israel, PT: Military carries out 'localized raids' in Gaza Strip as of Oct. 15 ahead of likely ground assault into territory /update 3

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are continuing to conduct "localized raids" into the Gaza Strip as of Oct. 15 amid Israel's war against Gaza-based militant group Hamas. The move reportedly aims to clear the area of militants and search for Israelis abducted in Hamas' "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation that began Oct. 7. The raids notably come after Israeli authorities instructed Gazan residents early Oct. 13 to evacuate from the northern part of the territory to south of Wadi Gaza within 24 hours ahead of a likely IDF ground assault into the territory. The IDF reiterated the call for residents of Gaza to "head to the area south of Wadi Gaza as soon as possible" late Oct. 13. On Oct. 14, the IDF announced it would refrain from attacking the coastal road and Salahal-Din Street within the Gaza Strip between 10:00-16:00 to enable residents of the northern areas of the territory to relocate towards the south. On Oct. 15, Israeli authorities stated it would allow people in the territory to continue evacuating south amid preparations for the ground offensive.

Israeli forces would likely increase artillery strikes and airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and ramp up maritime operations in nearby coastal waters ahead of any major ground incursion into the territory. The IDF would also probably deploy combined arms tactics during any major ground assault into Gaza. Israel has called up some 360,000 reservists for duty amid the war, many of whom have deployed to areas around the Gaza Strip ahead of the likely ground incursion. Numerous Israeli communities have been evacuated near the Gaza Strip, including Sderot, and the Israeli military demarcated "closed military areas" surrounding the Gaza Strip; access to the areas will almost certainly remain restricted over the short term.

Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business will almost certainly continue to impact areas near the Gaza Strip in Israel over the coming days.

Context

Hamas launched a significant land, air, and sea attack against Israel early Oct. 7. The group's militants reportedly infiltrated numerous locations within Israel, shooting at civilians and soldiers while launching thousands of rockets toward the country. Hamas militants also reportedly took some 150 Israelis, including Israeli soldiers, hostage, and moved them into the Gaza Strip. Projectile fire from the Gaza Strip continues to target several cities and towns in southern and central Israel in recent days, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, Sderot, Tel Aviv, and Yavne, among others.

Moreover, the Lebanese militant group Hizballah continues to launch rockets and drones against targets in northern Israel. Additionally, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), has also claimed responsibility for a ground infiltration from southern Lebanon into northern Israel.

As of Oct. 15, Israeli authorities had indicated that Hamas' assault had killed more than 1,300 people within the country. Meanwhile, Israeli forces' response, termed Operation Iron Swords, has killed more than 2,329 people in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have also ordered a full siege of the Gaza Strip, cutting the supply of power, water, and fuel to the territory amid the fighting; internet service disruptions have also been reported.

Advice

Reconsider nonessential travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories until the situation stabilizes. Reconfirm flights and the status of roads and border crossings. Arrive early at airports to allow additional time for processing. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported, or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security personnel.