The IDF expanded ground operations in Gaza overnight Friday, in the North and South, and took control of several areas in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Rafah, and the Morag Axis.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Israeli air force and artillery batteries operated to target terrorist objectives and support the operating troops.
On Friday evening, both ground troops and the Israeli air force struck in Rafah, Khan Yunis, Shuja'iya, Gaza City, and Beit Hanoun.
Troops are advancing according to plans, a security source said. "Unlike in the past, we have no intention of detailing the next moves to the enemy," the source claimed, adding that "In line with the intensified fighting, IDF spokesperson is releasing information through various media outlets to the Palestinians in order to guide them to shelters."
During the day on Friday, the military killed numerous terrorists and dismantled Hamas infrastructure, including a command and control center that was used for planning and executing terror attacks, the IDF said in a statement.
The IAF also conducted a series of extensive air strikes east of Gaza City on Thursday night.
In an operation supported by the 401st Brigade’s Fire Control Center, the IAF killed a terrorist who served as a deputy company commander in Hamas's Nukhba force.
How the renewed fighting will increase pressure on Hamas
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Eyal Zamir instructed the IDF spokesman to impose ambiguity on the military plan while simultaneously expanding safety margins through an increase in the number of aircrafts in the air, round-the-clock artillery fire, intelligence support from the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and Shin Bet (Israel's Security Agency).
According to security assessments, the renewed control of the axis will significantly increase the pressure on Hamas leadership and raise the likelihood of disorder against Hamas, combined with the closure of border crossings and the prevention of humanitarian aid.
According to the assessments, taking control of the Morag Axis will allow for the severing of Rafah from Gaza and create isolation for the city from the transfer of weapons, ammunition, terrorists, and access to large food storage and equipment concentrated in Gaza."
Until the fighting began, Hamas chief Mohamed Sinwar had all the time in the world to rebuild military capabilities and plan attacks on the IDF and Israeli civilians, a security source added.
The new reality in the Gaza Strip forces Sinwar to divide his attention to internal matters as well due to concerns about protests, looting, demands to leave combat zones, and even a potential exit from the Gaza Strip, rebellion, and desertion.