Israel armored division deployed in Lebanon prepares for Gaza ground operations

24/3/2025 6:03

Israel's military said Sunday that an armored division previously deployed in Lebanon is now preparing for ground operations in the Gaza Strip, signaling a possible further expansion of its ongoing air and ground offensive.

In a statement, the military said the 36th Division has begun preparations for operations in Gaza "following a situational assessment."

Video footage released by the military showed about two dozen armored personnel carriers being deployed near the Gaza border.

According to the statement, the 36th Division has completed its operations in Lebanon. The potential reinforcement came as Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after a ceasefire with Hamas that began on Jan. 19 unraveled. Israeli forces subsequently launched ground operations across southern, northern, and central Gaza.

Also on Sunday, Israel's military and Shin Bet domestic security agency said in a joint statement that they had killed Ahmad Salman 'Awj Shimali, deputy commander of Hamas' Gaza Brigade, who was responsible for operations, strategy planning, and forces building ahead of the October 7 attack.

Jamil Omar Jamil Wadiya, commander of Hamas' Shuja'iyya Battalion, was also killed, the statement said. They were the latest in a string of senior Hamas figures targeted by Israel.

The Israeli assault on Gaza has killed at least 50,021 people and injured 113,274 others since fighting erupted in early October 2023, according to an update from Gaza-based health authorities.