Hamas vows ‘full force’ after Israel steps up Gaza ground operations

Gaza City, October 28, 2023 - Tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip as Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs the territory, has declared its readiness to confront Israeli attacks with "full force. This statement comes in response to Israel's recent widening of air and ground attacks on the enclave.

Hamas reported that its fighters are engaging in clashes with Israeli troops in areas near the border with Israel. These confrontations come after Israel announced intensified attacks in Gaza. Furthermore, a 10-hour-long cutoff in internet and phone services, attributed to Israeli bombardments, has disrupted communication in the region.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, during a televised news briefing on Friday evening, indicated that ground forces were expanding their operations in Gaza. This development has raised concerns about the possibility of a long-anticipated ground invasion of the territory.

"In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight," stated Hagari, while also referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The situation is marked by growing tensions, with Israeli ground forces massing outside Gaza, following an intense campaign of aerial bombardment since an attack on Israeli communities near the strip on October 7.

Israel has reported that this attack by hundreds of Hamas group resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, primarily civilians, with over 200 taken hostage, including foreign nationals and individuals with dual Israeli nationality. Palestinian health authorities claim that Israeli bombings have since claimed the lives of more than 7,000 Palestinians.

The situation remains fluid and volatile, with concerns mounting over the potential for a further escalation of violence and the impact on civilian populations caught in the crossfire. International efforts to broker a ceasefire and de-escalate the situation are underway, but the situation on the ground remains uncertain.