The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has carried out a “targeted raid” overnight in northern Gaza using tanks.
It said the raid was carried out as part of “preparation for the next stages of combat” and “struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts”, in a post on Thursday, sharing video of the operation.
“The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory,” it added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised speech that IDF forces are still preparing for a ground invasion, but did not give any clues as to the timing.
Israel told 1.1 million residents of Gaza City and other northern areas to leave for their own safety last week.
Meanwhile in Gaza, hospitals are stopping all but emergency services as fuel runs out. Israel has blocked fuel from reaching Gaza and accuses Hamas of stockpiling it.
The UN has said its humanitarian agency in Gaza is facing a similar fuel shortage, saying it may have to shut down in the coming hours as a result.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked” at the reaction to a statement he made on Tuesday about the war between Israel and Hamas.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says almost 6,500 people have been killed since 7 October.
More than 1,400 were killed in the initial attacks on Israel by Hamas, and more than 200 people are still being held hostage in Gaza