Israel-Gaza latest: ‘Bodies of hostages’ found in first incursion; airstrike ‘kills 70 Gazans’ abiding by Israel’s evacuation order | World News

The six-hour window for the safe movement of Gazans on two mains roads south has expired, with signs that Israel is planning to ramp up its military action.

Military analyst Sean Bell explains that a full-scale assault on Gaza would likely take place in stages.

Phase one, he says, would “almost certainly” involve a “shaping operation” similar to the airstrikes it is launching at the moment.

This would likely be followed by the first crossing of armour over the border, Bell explains – and says this is what everyone is watching for after the expiration of the safe window.

“If they decide to go for phase three, that’s when you get the infantry involved in the close fight in the city itself, probably involving lots of drones and certainly a lot more close fighting,” he says.

He says his fighting would look to target Hamas infrastructure, the leadership and possible weapons storage.

“How difficult that will be would bluntly depend on if Hamas were dug in and prepared for the fight – it could be incredibly difficult,” adds Bell.

“However, if Hamas recognise that they are up against a much more capable opposition, they could simply shed their uniforms, blend into the Palestinians and just flee the area.”