As IDF attempts to isolate Gaza City, ground forces face heavy fighting with ‘over 130 terrorist killed in last few hours’

The IDF reported heavy fighting in Gaza City over the last few hours. 

It released a statement saying, “IDF fighters continue to wage fierce battles against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.”  

As it worked to block off Gaza City from land access to the south, the IDF encountered stronger resistance from Hamas terror forces. 

Late Thursday evening, the IDF announced it had successfully completed the encirclement of Gaza City.

The IDF’s priorities are to bring home the children, women and men, who are being held hostage by Hamas and to make sure Hamas will no longer have the ability to attack Israelis.

The IDF is doing everything in its power to achieve this. pic.twitter.com/3HbuGnUDJX

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 2, 2023

IDF tanks were seen in the Gaza City limits this afternoon, and the IDF reported finding many weapons and destroying Hamas infrastructure and military compounds.

Approximately 130 terrorists were eliminated during firefights between Hamas and IDF troops, according to IDF statements. 

In addition, an Israeli Air Force aircraft, directed by soldiers on the ground, struck a number of military command and control centers used by senior Hamas terror operatives. The troops struck terrorist infrastructure deliberately located in civilian areas, as well as military compounds. 

In addition, a Israeli naval missile ship attacked Hamas positions and observation posts, in cooperation with the IDF land forces.

Earlier this evening, the IDF also permitted the release of stories and videos from the 13th and 53rd Golani Battalions fight to enter the city overnight, Wednesday to Thursday. 

Golani soldiers from the 13th Battalion and armored fighters from the 53rd Battalion encountered a number of terrorist squads which fired anti-tank missiles and threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at them. 

During the fighting, terrorists attempted to climb onto IDF vehicles in order to detonate IEDs. 

Lt.-Col. Tomer Greenberg, commander of the 13th Battalion, affirmed: “During the halts, Hamas terrorists came out of shafts and tunnels, surrounded us, fired RPGs at us and tried to reach our Tigers (APCs) and plant IEDs on them. Thanks to good preparations, we were able to hit them, kill some of them, and repel some of them. The result was that they were killed, and we continue the maneuver until victory.” 

A lieutenant, whose name was not permitted for release, said, “We just finished a night of fighting. We were ambushed. We fought a battle with dozens of terrorists - with almost no wounded. There are dozens of terrorists wounded.” 

“We are in good spirits, and we are preparing for our next battle until victory,” the lieutenant added.