‘Fireworks’ but no BBQ for Israeli troops fighting in Gaza on Independence Day

JABALIYA, Gaza Strip — Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip are not celebrating Israel’s Independence Day this year, with some saying they barely noticed the holiday amid the fighting.

“We don’t really feel it,” one soldier tells The Times of Israel in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya when asked what it is like to fight on Independence Day. “We didn’t bring a barbecue but at least there will be fireworks,” another quips, as three large airstrikes hit buildings just a few hundred meters away.

Another soldier says he and his tank crew had the radio on yesterday and stood, or at least attempted to stand, for the 11 a.m. Memorial Day siren inside their tank, before they went back to their missions in Jabaliya.

But others, like Lt. Col. Yali, the commander of the 460th Armored Brigade’s 139th Battalion, says fighting Hamas on Independence Day is especially important and symbolic.

“I’m doing everything to fulfill my tasks and bring my guys back home safely, and in my opinion, doing that on Independence Day and doing everything so our country, our children, our families and the next generation will be able to enjoy the country as we have until now. I think there is nothing of greater value,” he says.

The IDF launched a new operation in Jabaliya over the weekend after it said Hamas was identified as regrouping there. So far, dozens of gunmen have been killed and many sites belonging to Hamas have been destroyed, according to the IDF.