October 8 – November 2023 · Northeastern Gaza Theater
October 8 – November 2023
Beit Hanoun, in the northeastern corner of Gaza, was one of the first urban centers penetrated during Israel's ground operation. IDF forces pushed through the town using armored engineering units to breach Hamas fortifications and clear buildings. Hamas fighters contested every block, using rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles from prepared positions. D9 armored bulldozers were used extensively to clear booby-trapped streets and demolish buildings from which snipers operated. The town was substantially devastated. This battle opened the corridor that allowed IDF forces to begin encircling Gaza City from the north.
Commanders