Jerusalem/Tel Aviv, Oct 28: Israel on Saturday expanded its ground operation in Gaza, sending in tanks and infantry backed by massive strikes from the air and sea. Israel’s defence minister said that “the ground shook in Gaza” and that the war against the territory’s Hamas rulers had entered a new stage.
The bombardment, described by Gaza residents as the most intense of the war, also knocked out most communications in Gaza. This largely cut off the besieged enclave’s 2.3 million people from the world, while enabling the Israeli military to control the narrative in the new stage of fighting.
The military released grainy images Saturday showing tank columns moving slowly in open areas of Gaza, many apparently near the border, and said warplanes bombed dozens of Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.
The underground sites are a key target in Israel’s campaign to crush the territory’s ruling group after its bloody incursion into Israel three weeks ago.
“We moved to the next stage in the war,” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in remarks broadcast Saturday.
“Last evening, the ground shook in Gaza. We attacked above ground and underground. … The instructions to the forces are clear. The campaign will continue until further notice.”
His comments signalled a gradual ramping up toward what is expected to evolve into an all-out ground offensive in northern Gaza.
‘Hamas naval chief killed’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has commenced ground assault in Gaza, on Saturday said that it has killed Hamas Naval commander Abu Sahiban in an overnight attack.
The IDF said that the slain commander had planned and executed Hamas infiltration by sea which was foiled by the military.
With the killing of aerial Chief Abu Rakbeh and Naval Commander Abu Sahiban, the IDF seems to be focusing on its targets.
IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Halagary had told media persons that the army has advanced into the Gaza Strip and may step up its operations.
The IDF has already claimed that it had destroyed 140 underground structures of Hamas on Friday and Saturday.
Hamas to free 8 hostages
The Hamas leadership has reportedly agreed to free eight hostages holding Russian-Israeli dual citizenship.
A delegation of Hamas led by Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook has held discussions with the Russian side led by Vladimir Putin’s special envoy to the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhael Bigdanev. Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Bhageri Kani was also part of the discussions.
It is to be noted that Hamas shares an excellent relationship with Russia.
Russian media quoted Marzook as saying that they (Hamas) had received a list of eight persons holding Russian-Israeli dual citizenship. He said, “It’s hard but we are looking for them and would release them.”
Meanwhile, Israeli officials told IANS that the statement of Hamas is a clear testimony that its earlier statement that it doesn’t know where the hostages are housed was a lie. (Agencies)
