Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed soldiers gathered at the Gaza border today, Thursday, that they will soon see the Palestinian enclave "from the inside," suggesting that a ground invasion may be imminent. He stated, "You see Gaza now from afar, and soon you will see it from the inside. The matter will be issued," indicating that the battle will be long and difficult. Shortly after Gallant's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video showing him alongside troops near the border, promising them victory.
On Thursday, Israel continued to bombard Gaza with more airstrikes, while Egypt took steps to introduce humanitarian aid to the enclave. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak followed U.S. President Joe Biden’s lead by visiting Israel to express Western support in its war against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). Western nations have sought to balance their full support for Israel with calls to alleviate the suffering of Gaza residents, but Sunak strongly emphasized standing primarily alongside Israel.
Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters that equipment for road repairs had crossed through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza as part of preparations to deliver some of the humanitarian aid piled up in the Sinai Peninsula. More than a hundred trucks are waiting on the Egyptian side, but none are expected to enter through the crossing before tomorrow, Friday. Israel announced that it will allow limited aid to enter Gaza from Egypt, but only on the condition that Hamas does not benefit from it. It reiterated its insistence on not opening its crossings with the enclave to deliver aid until Hamas releases approximately two hundred captives.
