Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Galant told troops gathered on the Gaza border that they would soon see the Palestinian enclave “from the inside,” reports Reuters.
His remarks came in the context of Israel’s expected ground operation following the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Tel Aviv responded with heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip and brought it under absolute blockade. The ultimatum issued to evacuate the northern parts of the enclave forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to head to the second largest city of Khan Younis.
The threat of a wave of Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip into Egypt has raised concerns in Cairo.
On the border between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip is the only border crossing, Rafah, that is not controlled by Israel.
“You are currently seeing Gaza from a distance, you will soon see it from the inside. The command will come”, the defense minister is categorical, and the expectation is that the operation will not start while the international leaders are still in the Middle East region.
According to Gallant, the battle will be long and exhausting. A short time later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video of himself with soldiers near the Gaza Strip, promising victory.
At the same time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He called on Hamas to release the hostages.
Earlier, Israel’s defense ministry released a video showing the US-supplied armored vehicles.
Their purpose is to replace those already damaged during the fighting with Hamas fighters who entered Israel. Delivery arrives the next day the visit of US President Joe Bidenwho held a meeting with Netanyahu.
Biden pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. It will also ask the US Congress for “unprecedented” aid to help Israel fight Hamas.
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2023-10-19 18:32:37
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