Gaza/Tel Aviv: Israel amasses troops for ground offensive into the Gaza strip asking Palestinians there to vacate the northern region and move out to South Gaza. The ground assault according to Israel Defense forces(IDF) will include “ an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land” against Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza.
30,000 Reserve troops have positioned at the border. The Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galen announced the ground invasion will soon begin. According to former US ambassador to Israel, the incursion will likely unfold in phases rather than a full scale invasion.
With massive Israeli operation looming, the Palestinian Red Crescent has made urgent appeal to evacuate Al-Quds hospital situated in north of Gaza. All of who do not leave Gaza city will be deemed terrorists, Israel had warned.
Meanwhile, Hamas released two US hostages following which the US and European leaders are trying to stall Israel’s ground attack, fearful for lives of their citizens taken hostage or otherwise in Gaza. The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued security alert for its citizens following opening of Rafah Corridor, which it said could result in massive chaos.
Rafah Corridor : Rafah is a border crossing with Egypt which was previously shut. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have descended on the south of Gaza Strip and are moving through the corridor to escape Israel’s bombs raining down.
