Translation: Preliminary operations and initial stages for the attack on Gaza City. This is how the Israeli army describes its ongoing operations on the outskirts of the city, where it says it is operating with great force.

But on the ground, the military movements make it clear that the supposed operation to occupy the city has already begun. The operation, with its dual objective of occupation and displacement, seems to be proceeding at a cautious pace, as desired by the IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who adheres to the doctrine of slow progress to avoid the killing of soldiers in ambushes or clashes.

However, this slow pace is accompanied by large-scale demolition operations, especially in the Zaytoun neighborhood. Exclusive images obtained by Al Jazeera show the extent of the destruction from explosions caused by booby-trapped military vehicles. The occupation forces are noticeably deploying these vehicles, directing them toward specific locations to cause the complete destruction of entire residential blocks, which has so far changed the features of the eastern areas on the outskirts of Gaza City.

The booby-trapped vehicles are old, decommissioned M-113 military vehicles capable of carrying up to seven tons of explosives. When remotely activated, the destruction radius reaches about 300 meters, according to the Director-General of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Strip.

Since the beginning of the war, the Israeli army has relied on a mix of manned and unmanned weapons systems. Facing an extensive network of tunnels, the forces use a dog-like robot called "Ghost" to scout the tunnels. It can travel 10 kilometers at a speed of three meters per second.

As for reconnaissance operations in urban environments, the army uses "Rooster," a drone integrated into a mobile frame that allows it to navigate urban terrain, like entering through windows or flying inside tunnels.

The Israeli company Rafael has also produced "Panda" bulldozers, which are automated versions of the heavy D-9 military bulldozer, capable of clearing roads, removing rubble, and demolition without endangering soldiers.

At the border with the Strip, the army has integrated "Jaguar" into its units, a six-wheeled vehicle used for border patrols. It is equipped with high-definition cameras, a communication and firing system, and semi-autonomous protection, with the ability to avoid obstacles, recharge, and self-destruct when necessary.

Since the start of the war, the occupation forces have intensified their use of military technology operating with artificial intelligence for combat, information gathering, and directing strikes with very limited human intervention. These include systems like "Lavender" and "Where's Daddy?".

According to reports from authorities in the Gaza Strip, this technology has led to an increase in the number of casualties. A report by Human Rights Watch condemned the use of autonomous weapon systems, stating that they violate the right to life and the principles of human dignity and non-discrimination.