Israeli army operations within the Gaza Strip “will escalate”, the nation’s chief army spokesperson has warned, as troops push deeper into area.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated Israel Defence Forces (IDF) troops are deployed alongside the northern border and “ready for any state of affairs”.
Dozens of militants had been killed in a single day, he added, however he refused to verify the situation of the bottom forces after social media footage appeared to point out tanks advancing on a most important highway in Gaza.
Israel-Gaza latest: IDF in ‘direct contact’ with Hamas
“Our actions and operations will proceed and escalate in keeping with the phases of the struggle,” Mr Hagari stated.
“That is an expanded floor operation into the strip. Floor forces, tanks, infantry forces, armoured corp forces are transferring in direction of the terrorists.
“The terrorists grouped collectively in sure areas to attempt to goal our forces and we assault them from the air, that is how we managed to assault and goal 20 terrorists.
“There’s additionally direct contact between the bottom forces and the terrorists. The preventing is occurring contained in the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli advances put their forces on either side of Gaza Metropolis and surrounding areas of the north, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu known as a “second stage” within the struggle.
UN and medical employees warned airstrikes are getting nearer to hospitals, the place 1000’s are wounded and tens of 1000’s have sought refuge.
In response to UN figures, about 117,000 displaced persons are staying in hospitals alongside 1000’s of sufferers and employees.
In different key developments:
• A German-Israeli lady kidnapped from a music pageant by Hamas fighters has been discovered {dead}, Israel’s overseas ministry says
• A 25-year-old man is in a important situation after a stabbing in Jerusalem, in keeping with medics
• Anti-Israel protesters stormed a runway in Russia, reportedly chanting antisemitic slogans and on the lookout for passengers on a flight from Tel Aviv
• British residents trapped in Gaza ‘could be classed as hostages’, a minister suggests
The Israeli army stated on Monday it was persevering with floor operations within the Gaza Strip. Pic: AP
In the meantime, talks to free the 239 hostages held by Hamas because the group’s 7 October assault in Israel have stalled, in keeping with NBC Information, Sky’s US companion community.
The report refers to a former US official with data of the negotiations, who stated the militant group had demanded Israel enable gas deliveries into Gaza.
‘Tank blocks key escape highway’
As Israel presses forward, video obtained by the Related Press reveals an Israeli tank and bulldozer in central Gaza.
They look like blocking the territory’s most important north-south freeway, which the Israeli army had instructed Palestinians to make use of to flee the continuing floor offensive.
Requested if forces had been on the highway, Mr Hagari stated Israel has “expanded” operations however wouldn’t touch upon particular deployments.
The video reveals a automotive approaching a barrier throughout the highway, earlier than turnings round.
The tank seems to open fireplace because it heads away and an explosion units the automotive on fireplace.
The Gaza Well being Ministry later stated three individuals had been killed, and now studies greater than 8,000 Palestinians have died in complete.
Greater than 1,400 individuals have died on the Israeli aspect, in keeping with the nation’s authorities, with primarily civilians killed throughout Hamas’ preliminary assault.