Israel launches large-scale ground offensive in Gaza
The Israeli armed forces have reported that they have begun "extensive" ground operations in several areas of the Gaza Strip. These operations are related, according to the statement, to the launch of a new large-scale offensive against Hamas.
Over 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 noted that over the past week, the Israeli air force has struck more than 670 Hamas targets 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 reads.
The armed forces also 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 mark one of the bloodiest phases of the offensive, which has been 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 to release Israeli hostages and approve plans that might involve taking control of the entire Gaza Strip and managing aid.
The escalation, which includes the deployment of armoured forces along the border, is part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots", which Israel claims aims to defeat Hamas and free Israeli hostages.
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, supported by the United States, began a new round of indirect ceasefire talks between both parties on Saturday. However, sources close to the negotiations told Reuters that there has been no breakthrough.
Source: timesofisrael.com
