JERUSALEM

The Israeli army on Wednesday prohibited access to an area of 1,000 meters inside the Gaza Strip near Israel’s perimeter fence.

A military spokesman classified this area as a battlefield and any access would be deemed dangerous.

The Israeli army has amassed forces and tanks near the Gaza border in preparation for a ground operation in the seaside enclave.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless air campaign against the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 7,200 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water, medicines and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.