The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip against terror outfit Hamas, as confirmed by an official spokesperson. This announcement comes on the heels of several days of fighting and the mobilization of a significant number of reserve soldiers. The spokesperson emphasized that the upcoming attack would be unprecedented in scale and would serve as a “lesson that will not be forgotten”.
International attention has also been drawn to the situation, with German magazine The Spiegel suggesting that Israel is likely waiting for US President Biden to conclude his visit before launching a ground attack. The magazine stressed that all evidence points to the operation receiving a green light only after Biden’s departure from Israel.
Adding another layer of complexity, The Jerusalem Post revealed that the IDF has postponed its ground invasion due to escalating tensions and concerns that Hezbollah might seize the opportunity to launch an attack in the north, as reported by The Telegraph.
In a related development, King Abdullah II of Jordan announced from the command of the army that his country would “support the steadfastness of the Palestinians on their land” and protect its borders. He made this statement during a meeting with the general command of the Jordanian armed forces. The King emphasized that any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, would be categorically rejected by Jordan.
Last Saturday, the IDF spokesperson also announced that the army was preparing to expand the scope of its attack. Plans include a joint and coordinated assault from the air, sea, and land. However, Israeli media reported that there are major disagreements within the Israeli cabinet regarding the depth of this operation.
The military wing of Hamas, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades, released a video clip warning Israeli ground forces of what awaits them should they enter Gaza. This psychological warfare adds another dimension to the ongoing conflict, which has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance movement #Hamas, said in a recorded message of which The Palestine Chronicle received a copy, that the Palestinian Resistance will respond to the massacres underway in #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/rlITGtB6FD
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 9, 2023
The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli bombardment since the launch of the “Al-Aqsa flood” operation by Hamas and other Palestinian factions on October 7. In response, the Israeli army initiated “Iron Swords“, targeting various locations in the Gaza Strip. The death toll has been staggering, with around 3,000 dead and more than 12,000 injured in Gaza, and 61 dead and over 1,500 injured in the West Bank. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed more than 1,400 lives, including 291 officers and soldiers.
As the IDF contemplates its first ground invasion of Gaza in almost a decade, it faces unprecedented challenges, including the deployment of drones and other threats by Hamas, as reported by Blitz.
