Israeli incursions are only meant to provoke Palestinian residents who are growing increasingly frustrated with the daily brutality of the occupation under which they live. The goal of these raids is to terrorize the Palestinian population and to make sure that nowhere is safe. In addition to this, Israel has blocked one of the only official entrances into Gaza, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Israel only launches these raids to prevent Palestinian terror attacks against Israeli civilians. The Israeli military does everything it can to avoid civilian casualties, but Israeli forces have been forced to use live ammunition after being attacked or fired upon by Palestinian militants. As terrorist groups like Hamas openly threaten attacks on Tel Aviv, Israeli forces will remain vigilant.