The IDF has completed its preparations for its expected massive assault on the Gaza Strip, and could have tens of thousands of forces enter the enclave with the next several hours.

Several units have already gone on preliminary incursions into the Strip, carrying out what the military says were “localized raids” to clear the area of potential terrorists, as well as to locate missing Israelis.

The IDF said that collected findings made in those raids “that may help in the effort to locate the missing,” and also killed a number of terrorists, including a Hamas cell that launched anti-tank guided missiles at Israel.

Meanwhile, many Gazans are heeding the IDF’s urgent warnings that they should leave the northern section of the Strip, according to officials.

“The population of Gaza City has started moving south significantly in order to defend itself,” IDF Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

Hagari added that the IDF has already struck thousands of targets across the Gaza Strip since fighting began.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)