(Dan Tri) – The Israeli army will face a series of challenges if it enters the Gaza Strip with ground forces to attack Hamas targets.
Tanks of Israeli forces approached the Gaza Strip on October 13 (Photo: Reuters).
Israeli ground forces are now ready to enter the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, to attack Hamas forces after the group launched a large-scale attack on Israel.
The Israeli army said on October 12 that it was ready for the landing in the Gaza Strip, but the country’s political leaders have not yet made a decision.
`We are waiting to see what our political leadership decides on a potential ground attack,` Israeli military spokesman Richard Hecht said.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Jonathan Conricus confirmed on October 11 that Israel has deployed about 300,000 soldiers from all military branches, including infantry, armored, artillery and reserve forces,
Information from the scene shows that Israel has mobilized powerful forces, tanks and heavy armor close to Gaza, and has bombarded this narrow strip of land with fire in the past few days.
If Israel were to send troops into the Gaza Strip with mechanized ground forces along with air support from attack helicopters, a fierce form of urban warfare would erupt on the area’s narrow streets and alleys.
Location of the Gaza Strip (Graphic: Aljazeera).
Accordingly, Israel’s ground forces will face tactical challenges when attacking in the Gaza Strip.
First, buildings in the Gaza Strip are close together due to dense population.
Second, booby traps in small spaces can pose a significant risk to the Israeli military as it must enter, target, neutralize and clear each Hamas building at the same time.
Third, the wars in Syria and Ukraine show that large mechanized infantry forces can be severely damaged by attacks from smaller groups using anti-tank guided missiles and grenade launchers.
Fourth, deploying troops by helicopter will be risky because Hamas may have man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
Fifth, the goal of limiting property damage and civilian casualties will be a major challenge if the Israeli army enters the Gaza Strip to carry out an all-out attack.
The Israel Defense Forces ordered more than 1 million people in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate to the southern part of the enclave within the next 24 hours.
