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ZIKIM BASE, Israel-Gaza border: It was one of many deadliest clashes of Israel’s floor conflict in Gaza towards Hamas. 9 troopers killed, some high officers, together with a number of injured. It occurred when Hamas terrorists ambushed troops Tuesday on a mission within the Shejaiya part of Gaza Metropolis. On the identical day, one other soldier was killed farther north.
Fox Information hung out that day, just some miles away, on the Zikim base on the northern Gaza border, a dusty place with sand dunes round and the Mediterranean Sea close by.
We watched for a number of hours as troops steadily streamed towards and away from the battle. They rode in pumped-up, open-top Humvees that typically made them look extra like extras in a “Mad Max” film.
Those getting in additionally rode side-by-side in troop provider vans. They appeared extra tentative. Those on the way in which out regarded relieved that they have been getting a break from a few of the worst city fight in many years. Some gave us the thumbs up. Many regarded fairly younger. Enlisted and reserve troopers within the combine.
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An IDF car seen on the bottom in Zikim, Israel. (FNC IDF )
We requested Main “Isaac” (the IDF requested that we use simply his first title), a veteran on and off for a lot of the eight-week floor conflict, how the combat was.
“I would like to select a phrase,” he replied. After which stated, “Robust.” Responding additional, “…yeh, undoubtedly.”
Main “Isaac” famous Hamas was “hiding… a few of the time.” And added concerning the heavily-armed terrorists, “They’re ready.”
He and different troopers didn’t should look far for explanation why they have been within the combat.
Beginning on Oct. 7, the Zikim base was attacked by dozens of Hamas fighters, arriving there by land and by sea. Extra veteran troopers needed to take over for the younger recruits and fend them off. Bullet holes and rocket impacts may nonetheless be seen on the partitions of the bottom’s shelters, the pavement and watch tower.
Ultimately, they received out, killing all 50 terrorists who focused this prime location in wave after wave. However seven troopers can be killed as properly. These sorts of assaults have been repeated at different bases, kibbutzes and cities. Which might result in the large Israeli air conflict, and now the bottom motion.
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The weapons depot in Gaza contained tons of of RPG missiles, amongst different weapons, the IDF says. (IDF)
We requested Main “Isaac” concerning the issues relating to the massive destruction and lack of life for the residents of Gaza attributable to Israel’s air and floor offensive. He famous tersely, “Nobody needs to harm civilians.”
We additionally spoke with one other soldier, Main “Omri.” He appeared a bit extra bullish about his aspect’s contact with the Hamas foe. “They’re drained,” he advised us. “We’ll shoot them,” he added, “we’ll discover them, even within the tunnels.”
Requested to sum up the longer term prospects for the IDF on this combat, he got here again with a reply that sounded a bit “boilerplate,” however nonetheless calmly assured:
“The IDF is greater than prepared to proceed to do no matter it takes to satisfy operational objectives,” he stated.
Israeli troopers function contained in the Gaza Strip, amid the continued floor operation of the Israeli military towards Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, on this handout image obtained by Reuters on November 7, 2023. Israeli Protection Forces/Handout through REUTERS (Israeli Protection Forces/Handout through REUTERS)
One of many largest takeaways from our couple-hour go to to Zikim: What an enormous operation this conflict is, with so many shifting components. That base is only one of many entry factors for 1000’s and 1000’s of troopers pouring into the battle.
Additionally, the impression that this conflict is taking its toll on all concerned. The dying and destruction for the residents of Gaza caught within the crossfire. The hostages who stay stranded just some miles from the bottom. In addition to the pressure from the fight during which these troopers are taking part. Nonetheless, their dedication stays.
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IDF soldier in Gaza (FNC IDF)
Fox Information’s Emily Robertson contributed to this text.
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