Israeli Prime Minister spokesperson Ofir Gendelman announced on Thursday evening that the Israeli army is ready for a ground entry into the Gaza Strip. He added that the Israeli army is currently conducting a limited incursion into Gaza in preparation for the ground operation. The incursion began in the eastern area of Gaza City, specifically near the Israeli military site "Malkah" east of the Zeitoun neighborhood in the southeast of the city.
He pointed out that this incursion was accompanied by intense airstrikes and artillery shelling, confirming that there are casualties and injuries due to Israeli airstrikes on a house belonging to the Al-Nadim family in the Zeitoun neighborhood. Israeli military radio indicated that the army carried out a ground attack inside Gaza targeting Hamas positions and is expected to withdraw soon. This incursion follows a previous limited operation executed by Israeli forces on Wednesday evening, which also ended with a withdrawal after several strikes.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that Israel has no interest in a war with any adversary other than Hamas, asserting that the ground operation in Gaza will occur at the appropriate time. He emphasized that it is not in Tel Aviv's interest to expand the war.
In response, Hamas has vowed to impose a heavy price on Tel Aviv if it incursions into the Gaza Strip. A spokesperson for the movement in Gaza stated on Monday that if Israel proceeds with a ground entry, it would be an opportunity to inflict casualties on its forces "through killing and capturing."
Abdel Latif Qanou, the spokesperson, further stated in comments published on the official Hamas website that Palestinian factions are "cohesive, strong, and capable of managing the battle," adding that the bombing of civilians will not yield Israel a victorious image. He stressed that "the Palestinian people will triumph over killing and destruction to thwart plans for displacement and to resolve their cause." Additionally, he suggested that demonstrations in various cities and capitals have created a supportive atmosphere to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinians, calling for their continuation and expansion.
