(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) Israeli Defence Forces continue to pound Hamas infrastructure in Gaza with the IDF Air Force claiming that over 400 targets have been destroyed in the last 24 hours. According to Palestinian officials, 5,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the Sabbath attack by Hamas.
The Israeli Air Force informed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that it conducted airstrikes on more than 400 military targets within the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours. These operations resulted in the elimination of several Hamas commanders, including the deputy commanders of the Nusirat, Shati, and Alfurkan battalions.
Additionally, fighter jets targeted numerous infrastructure and gathering points of Hamas in various neighbourhoods such as Sajaiya, Shati, Jabaliya, Darj Tafah, and Zeitoun. The IAF's extensive operation aimed to disrupt the capabilities of Hamas, leading to the neutralization of numerous armed Hamas operatives who were preparing to launch rocket attacks and engage in other terrorist activities targeting Israeli territory.
Energy Minister Israel Katz stated that the potential ground invasion of Gaza would not be delayed due to the hostages. While every effort will be made to bring the hostages home, this would not hinder any necessary actions, including a ground offensive, if it is decided upon.
Regarding the conflict, it's worth noting that the situation remains highly volatile, with a significant loss of life on both sides. The numbers provided by Gaza's health ministry and the Israeli military are distressing, highlighting the human toll this ongoing conflict has taken, particularly on civilians and children.
The European Union is contemplating a proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Tel Aviv to express his country's unwavering support for Israel, especially following the loss of 30 French citizens in a recent Hamas attack.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is expressing concerns about the clarity of Israel's achievable military objectives in its Gaza operations, leading U.S. officials to believe that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may not yet be prepared for a ground incursion.
In response to these concerns, extensive meetings and phone discussions have taken place between the US and Israeli officials, as many initially expected the IDF to launch a ground operation within 17 days of the October 7 Hamas attack.
However, after days of conducting airstrikes, the IDF has reportedly communicated to the government that it is fully prepared for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip and is confident it can achieve its defined objectives, even if it means facing potential heavy casualties among soldiers. This decision is made despite ongoing attacks by Hezbollah in the north. The IDF is concerned that Hamas might release more hostages, which could lead to the political leadership postponing or even suspending the planned ground incursion. The release of an American mother and daughter by Hamas on Friday night reportedly contributed to a delay in the ground offensive, with hopes of additional hostage releases.
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