The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) conducted a "targeted raid" into the northern Gaza Strip in preparation for the "next stages of combat," the IOF claimed.

In a statement published alongside a video at 7:46 am (local time), the occupation forces said an armored force "under the command of the Givati Brigade" targeted what it claimed was the infrastructure of the Palestinian resistance.

The force momentarily invaded the Gaza Strip and then withdrew from the area, according to the IOF.

The Israeli occupation has mulled an invasion of the Gaza Strip since October 7, following a harrowing defeat suffered at the hands of Resistance fighters.

The Israeli Prime Minister had previously promised to uproot Hamas from the Gaza Strip, however, expectations have dwindled as the Israeli occupation forces have concentrated their assets in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Military experts say a minimal attack on the Strip is the most feasible option for occupation forces after acknowledging that the Resistance has heavily fortified its defensive structures.

The invading forces will be met with a maze of tunnels and well-prepared ambushes, which they will have to maneuver through to complete their "objectives". Additionally, the IOF's Gaza Division was humiliated by Resistance fighters who advanced at least 20 km deep from the Gaza Strip, reaching "Ofakim" on the first few days of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Read more: 'Zikim' infiltration; most significant event since October 7

Questions cannot but arise as to why the Resistance forces did not confront the invading armored force today if that actually happened. The Resistance's command continues to surprise Israeli military officials, as they seem to be one step ahead at critical moments. 

A tactical decision to let the IOF complete their incursion into the peripheries of the Strip is a likely possibility, as it would expose defensive positions deeming them useless in more significant scenarios.

More recently, Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades, announced that its fighters ambushed an armored Zionist force east of Khan Yunis after it had infiltrated the fence and advanced a few meters.

Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement, "Al-Qassam freedom fighters lured an armored Zionist force into a tight ambush east of Khan Yunis after infiltrating the fence and advancing several meters." The statement added that the freedom fighters engaged the invading force, and destroyed two bulldozers and a tank, forcing the troops to withdraw on foot.

"Our freedom fighters confirm that the Israeli soldiers who were lured into the Khan Yunis ambush left their vehicles and fled east of the fence - that shall be uprooted once day - on foot."

The Israeli occupation admitted that there were casualties among its soldiers in the ambush, saying one soldier was killed and three others were injured, as per the IOF spokesperson.

Read more: Gaza's homegrown weapons: How Hamas, PIJ left 'Israel' in shambles