Israeli troops and tanks pushed deeper into Gaza on Monday, advancing on two sides of the territory’s main city, as the U.N. and medical staff warned that airstrikes have hit closer to hospitals where tens of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter alongside thousands of wounded.
Video footage circulating on social media has revealed an Israeli tank and bulldozer positioned in central Gaza, obstructing the primary north-south highway within the territory. Earlier, the Israeli military had advised Palestinians to use this very road as an escape route from the advancing ground offensive. This development raises concerns, as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the northern region might become stranded if this crucial route is blocked, given that it’s the only viable means for them to head south.
When asked about the situation and whether Israeli forces had indeed taken up positions on the road, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari responded by stating that “we expanded our operations” but refrained from providing specific details on deployments. pushed deeper into Gaza
The video, taken by a local journalist, shows a car approaching an earth barrier across the road. The car stops and turns around. As it heads away, a tank appears to open fire, and an explosion engulfs the car. The journalist, in another car, races away in terror, screaming, “Go back! Go back!” at an approaching ambulance and other vehicles. The Gaza Health Ministry later said three people were killed in the car that was hit.