Updated 13.02 | Published 13.02
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The deadline for residents to evacuate northern Gaza was extended on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Israel is now preparing a ground invasion with thousands of soldiers and combat vehicles.
– The only way to reach the hostages is through a ground operation, says Miri Eisin, head of the Counter-Terrorism Institute at Reichman University.
Along the border with Gaza, Israeli troops stand ready to enter. The goal is stated to be to knock out both the military and political top of Hamas, reports the New York Times.
On Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces wrote that the entire country was ready “especially for the significant ground operation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also visited the soldiers outside the border yesterday. In one clip, he is heard saying that “the next step is coming”.
Postponed due to bad weather
Israeli officers spoken to by The New York Times say the invasion will be carried out from the air, sea and land.
On the ground, both soldiers, tanks and commandos must enter. From the air, support is to be provided from airplanes, helicopters and drones, and from the sea artillery is to be fired.
The invasion was planned for the weekend, but according to the officers, has been postponed due to bad weather. Impaired visibility must have made it difficult for the pilots to support the Israeli troops on the ground.
Israel’s military rules during an operation have also been eased. In the event of an invasion, the Israeli soldiers should not have to carry out as many checks before shooting suspected enemies, according to the officers.
“Only way to reach the hostages”
Over 2 million people live in the densely populated Gaza Strip. With extensive tunnel systems and narrow streets, it is described as a difficult environment in which to conduct an operation.
Israel’s military leaders believe the terror group Hamas may rig several buildings with bombs and that tunnels may explode as Israeli troops advance above them.
At the same time, several people are still being held hostage inside Gaza.
– The only way to reach the hostages is through a ground operation, says Miri Eisin, head of the Counter-Terrorism Institute at Reichman University.
She believes that Hamas will show great cruelty in an invasion and that both babies and the elderly who are held hostage may be blown up.
Israel’s defense force, the IDF, believes that the goal of the operation is for Hamas to lose control of Gaza.
“They will not rule Gaza, neither militarily nor politically,” says IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari.
Red Cross: Hospitals can become morgues
Thousands of bombs have been dropped on Gaza this week and a total siege has begun. The situation is described as urgent and there is a shortage of water, food and fuel. Thousands of people have died, among them hundreds of children.
Over the weekend, Israel called on all residents of northern Gaza to evacuate the area and head south across the Gaza River.
– The evacuation order increases the burden on the healthcare system, which is already at breaking point. We have already warned that hospitals could soon become morgues if they do not get more relief, writes Crystal Wells, spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC.
Residents of Gaza were given 24 hours to evacuate and leaflets were dropped over Gaza City. During Saturday morning, the deadline was extended by a couple of hours.
– It is also important to remember that evacuation is not an option for everyone, such as the elderly, sick and disabled, writes Crystal Wells.
If carried out, the invasion would be Israel’s largest ground operation since the invasion of Lebanon in 2006. Entering Gaza could also have prompted other countries to enter the conflict.
On Saturday night Iran announcedvia the UN, that they would intervene if Israel enters Gaza.