**Israeli Ground Forces Conduct Raids into Gaza Amid Rising Tensions**
In the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Israeli ground forces have initiated raids into Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to a statement by the Israeli military. This development precedes the anticipation of a ground offensive in the densely populated Palestinian territory.
**Localized Raids Targeting Terrorists and Weaponry**
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out localized raids within the Gaza Strip with the objective of clearing the area of terrorists and weaponry, as indicated in the official army statement. The operations also included efforts to locate missing persons in the region.
**Continued Airstrikes and Rocket Attacks**
These ground operations occurred alongside persistent Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, met with retaliatory rocket attacks from Palestinian militants. The conflict erupted on Saturday when Hamas militants targeted Israeli communities, resulting in the loss of over 1,300 lives, predominantly civilians. The militants also abducted an estimated 150 Israelis and foreigners during the hostilities.
**Evidence Collection for Hostage Location Efforts**
The Israeli army revealed that troops engaged in the raids collected evidence aimed at assisting in the effort to locate hostages. While specific details were not provided, the military emphasized the thwarting of terrorist cells and infrastructure within the targeted area. Notably, a Hamas cell that fired anti-tank missiles toward Israeli territory was among the entities disrupted.
**Humanitarian Concerns and Mass Displacement**
The retaliatory strikes on Gaza have resulted in approximately 1,800 casualties and significant displacement. The situation has prompted international concern, with Israel issuing a warning to the 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza to evacuate ahead of an anticipated ground offensive. This move, however, has been condemned by the United Nations.
As tensions escalate and military operations intensify, the Israel-Gaza conflict continues to draw global attention, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact and the prospects for a peaceful resolution.