Israeli troops carry out limited raid into Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday night performed a “targeted” raid into northern Gaza before withdrawing. The operation was in preparation for a full-scale ground assault and included tanks that fired at several of what the IDF classified as militant targets. Israel has agreed not to launch its incursion into the region while the United States military installs air defense systems to protect American troops in the area.

How is the international community responding to the war? European Union leaders on Thursday gathered in Brussels to discuss the ongoing conflict and how to ensure that aid reaches Gaza. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a United States Senate committee approved Jacob Lew as the new ambassador to Israel. The previous ambassador, Tom Nides, left the position in July. The Senate is scheduled to vote on his nomination early next week.

Dig deeper: Read A.S. Ibrahim’s column in WORLD Opinions about what Israeli troops could face in Gaza.