Airstrikes and explosive vehicles: Israel’s combined method to devastate Gaza

Before launching its full-scale, planned invasion of Gaza City, the Israeli military had already begun creating widespread destruction in the largest urban center of the Gaza Strip, forcing residents to evacuate ahead of the publicly announced start date of the ground operation.

Recent reports from eyewitnesses and aid workers in Gaza indicate that the Israeli army has deployed remodeled armored personnel carriers (APCs) to densely populated areas, including neighborhoods and refugee centers, which are then remotely detonated.

These attacks are carried out alongside extensive bulldozer operations across the city and continuous aerial bombardment.

Between August 12 and 18, the Israeli army destroyed over 400 buildings in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood and conducted a limited ground incursion on its outskirts. Similar operations were also launched in the Al-Sabra neighborhood, in western Gaza City.

A spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that since August 6, more than 1,500 buildings have been destroyed by airstrikes in Gaza City alone.

He explained that Civil Defense teams continue to receive calls from civilians trapped in these areas, but heavy shelling and bombardment prevent access.

He added: “We fear that Israel’s invasion could penetrate deeper into Gaza City, and Civil Defense crews won’t be able to reach targeted locations. Nowhere in Gaza—north or south—is safe. Bombs are forcing residents out of their homes, refugee centers, and even their tents.”

Abdulwahab Ismail, a resident of northwest Gaza, evacuated his home after several buildings on his street were destroyed by what he described as explosive robots.

Ismail said: “The Israeli army sends these robots near our homes to create fear. They don’t detonate immediately. When people don’t leave, Israel detonates the robots, regardless of whether civilians are present.”

According to MundoWeiss, the robots Ismail describes are likely older models of the Israeli M113 APCs, equipped with explosives and remotely detonated near buildings.

Ismail explained: “Previously, the army would destroy one or two buildings with robots. Now they demolish dozens simultaneously. Robots and fighter jets work together to destroy every location in Gaza City.”

Unprecedented destruction

Instead of a full-scale invasion, the Israeli army employs a combination of airstrikes, explosive vehicles, limited ground raids, and bulldozer operations to force residents to evacuate ahead of the planned ground assault.

The occupier is conducting large-scale bulldozer operations, leveling entire neighborhoods in Gaza City, similar to other areas of Gaza. This operation is flattening Al-Zaytoun and Al-Sabra neighborhoods, using bulldozers operated and owned by Israeli private contractors.

Explosive armored vehicles are now a focal point of the operation in Gaza City, described as remote-controlled death machines.