Israel limbers up for the Rafah offensive.

Israel was readying to deploy two reserve brigades for missions in the Gaza strip for a Rafah offensive in the south. By doing so, it seeks to remove the Hamas terror group from its last major redoubt in the enclave.

The 679th "Yiftah" Armoured Brigade and the 2nd "Carmeli" Infantry Brigade, which had been operating on the northern border, were set to take responsibility for areas of Central Gaza that have remained under Israeli military control since troops largely pulled back from the other areas of the Strip earlier this month.

The move will free up Nahal Brigade troops currently holding the central corridor to join the rest of the 162nd Division in preparation for future operations, including planned offensive in Rafah and central Gaza.

The mobilised brigades were to be placed under the 99th Division. 

Israel appreciates that Hamas has six remaining battalions in the Gaza Strip, including four in Rafah and two more in central Gaza, in the Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah camps.

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time. Lekha goes to Guruvayur to have a 'darshan' of the good Lord at 9.

A quiet Thursday.

Fixed up the timings to go for voting, at the RCUP School, tomorrow.