The New York Times reported that the IDF is preparing for a ground entry into the Gaza Strip in the coming days.
The report is based on three senior IDF officers and claims that tens of thousands of soldiers will participate in the ground operation. The goal of the entry is to seize the Gaza Strip and destroy the leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.
The report claims that it is still unclear what Israel intends to do within the framework of the entry into the Gaza Strip and whether its intention is to occupy the Strip and gain control over it. The term "destruction of the Hamas leadership" is also unclear in terms of its scope.
The Iranian delegation at the UN declared that the Israeli attack on Gaza could "get out of control" and have far-reaching consequences. The Iranian representatives wrote, "The responsibility for the Israeli war crimes lies with the UN and its Security Council."
The largest ground operation since 2006
In the meantime, the IDF sent a message to the Gazans: "We have been generous, now is the time." The IDF continues to call on the population in the northern part of the Strip to move south, despite Hamas' attempts to prevent the evacuation of the north. The IDF's attacks on the Strip are still ongoing, with an emphasis on Jabalia, Zeytoun, Al-Furqan, and Beit Hanoun.
The home of Hamas spokesman and militant Fawzi Barhoum was attacked and destroyed in Khan Yunis. 12 casualties were retrieved from the rubble of the house. It is currently unknown whether Barhoum was present in his home at the time of the attack. During the night (Saturday), no rocket launches from Gaza towards Israel have been reported.
The New York Times adds that the ground operation is expected to be the largest since Israel's entry into Lebanon in 2006.