Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip during an Israeli strike on July 17, 2025. Jack Guez/AFP
Israeli tanks entered the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time on July 21 after the Israel Defense Forces stated that it was extending its operations in the territory.
On July 20, the IDF’s Arabic language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation warning to Deir Al-Balah residents in the center of the strip.
