![Israel launches ground invasion of Gaza, dividing the strip in half for tactical purposes](https://israeled.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/israel-gaza.jpg)
Having so far limited its infantry attacks to raids and incursions, Israel launches a ground invasion, moving on northern Gaza. The following week,Israel lays siege to Gaza City, the largest city in the Palestinian territories and the seat of Hamas’ operational command. Thousands of Palestinian civilians flee south.