According to Alexander Ben-Zvi, the ambassador to Russia, Israel’s ground operation in the Gaza sector will commence unexpectedly and without prior announcement. Ben-Zvi explained that such operations typically begin suddenly to gain an advantage.
On October 7th, Hamas forces launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, declaring the start of the “Al-Aqsa Deluge” operation. Thousands of militants infiltrated Israeli territory, seizing dozens of military vehicles and over a hundred hostages.
In response, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated an operation named “Iron Swords,” with one of its objectives being the destruction of Hamas. The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in the Gaza sector.
The Israeli National Security Council decided to halt the supply of water, food, goods, electricity, and fuel to the sector. On October 13th, Israel informed the United Nations that 1.1 million Palestinians must evacuate to the south of Gaza within 24 hours in anticipation of the ground operation in Gaza.
On October 24th, US Democratic Senator Peter Welch expressed concern about Israel’s potential ground operation in the Gaza sector, stating that it would have “catastrophic consequences” for the enclave’s residents.
The New York Times (NYT), citing high-ranking White House officials, reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden is worried that the Israeli army is not yet ready to commence a ground operation in Gaza and lacks a clear plan.
Previously, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted a tank raid in the Gaza sector.
