#israel-Hamas war: Troops are preparing for combat (episodes4)

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Israeli soldiers readied
Israeli soldiers readied their tanks in a dusty patch of countryside close to Gaza.

Under a large tree, more troops gathered, armed and ready for combat.

The mood seemed relaxed - a calm perhaps before any potential order to push forward.

Follow live: Gazans told 'go south if you want to live'

These servicemen know such a move would come at huge personal risk - urban warfare on the streets of Gaza against Hamas militants who will have been preparing as well.

Yet, one soldier, signalled that fury at the brutality of last week's terror attack by Hamas against families across this rural stretch of southern Israel helped to strengthen his nerve.

"We are very motivated," he said, a rifle hanging over his shoulder.