Israel launches major ground operation in Gaza against Hamas
The Israeli armed forces have reported the commencement of "extensive" ground operations in various regions of the Gaza Strip. According to the statement, this marks the beginning of a new large-scale offensive against Hamas.
In the past day, "the Israel Defense Forces troops have begun extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza as part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots"," the military statement reads.
The statement also mentioned that over the past week, the Israeli air force has targeted over 670 Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip "to disrupt enemy preparations and support ground operations."
"Thus far, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists, dismantled terrorist infrastructure sites above and below ground, and are currently being deployed in key positions within Gaza," it states.
The armed forces further announced that they "will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations in Gaza as required, in order to defend Israeli civilians."
The bloodiest phase of the Israeli offensive
The airstrikes conducted since Thursday represent one of the bloodiest phases of the offensive ongoing since the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in March. Israel is also blocking shipments of medical supplies, food, and fuel in an attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages and approving plans that might involve taking control of the entire Gaza Strip and managing aid.
The escalation, which includes deploying armored forces along the border, is part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots," which, according to Israel, aims to defeat Hamas and free Israeli hostages.
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, have begun a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between both parties on Saturday, but sources close to the negotiations have told Reuters that there has been no breakthrough.
Source: timesofisrael.com
