IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari held a press briefing on Thursday, the 20th day of the war, which was started when Hamas brutally attacked communities in southern Israel.
"IDF soldiers overnight carried out a ground raid. They eliminated terrorists and destroyed Hamas terrorist infrastructure. This is part of our preparations for the next steps of combat," the spokesperson stated.
He added: "Through raids, we eliminate terrorists, deal with threats, dismantle explosive devices, and neutralize ambushes to allow the next stage for the ground forces. The mission took several hours, and the forces left without injury."
Hagari updated that the number of hostages held by Hamas has increased, and the families of 224 citizens who are being held by the terror organization have been notified.
"We will continue to carry out raids on the ground so that we can update who was taken hostage and who is missing. This number will still change. Our hearts are with the bereaved families. We will continue to accompany them and update the families of the hostages and missing. First, the families and then the press. The effort to free the captives is the top priority.
Earlier in the day, the IDF announced that it conducted a targeted raid overnight using tanks in the northern Gaza Strip as part of preparations for the next stages of combat. The activity was commanded by the Givati Brigade.
During the activity, soldiers located and struck numerous terrorists, terror infrastructure, and anti-tank missile launch posts and operated to prepare the battlefield.
In addition, in the past day, IDF fighter jets struck 250 targets belonging to the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip.
Among the targets that were struck were terrorist infrastructure, operational headquarters, terror tunnel shafts, and rocket launch pads placed in civilian areas from which missiles were launched at Israel.
In addition, the Navy struck a Hamas surface-to-air missile launch pad near Khan Yunis. The launch pad was situated next to a mosque and a preschool.