Israel: Nir Barkat on plans for ground invasion of Gaza
Israeli troops and tanks have been mobilised near the country’s border in the early hours of this morning, raising concerns of a looming full-scale ground invasion. The heightened military activity in the area has been met with reports of tanks amassing near the Gaza border.
CNN’s senior international correspondent, Nic Robertson, who is on the ground, has reported hearing heavy machine gun fire and distant explosions along the border, adding to the escalating tension in the region.
There are growing concerns that hostages may be held in Hamas’ vast network of tunnels, spanning over 311 miles and suspected to be riddled with deadly traps.
READ MORE: IDF has ‘green light’ to launch ground invasion of Gaza as US delivers weapons
It comes as Israel’s Defence Chief, Yoav Gallant, addressed the troops, informing them that they would soon be seeing Gaza “from the inside”.
He told soldiers: “There is no forgiveness for this thing. Only total annihilation of Hamas organisation, terror infrastructures, everything that has to do with terrorists and whoever sent them.
“It will take a week, it will take a month, it will take two months, until we eliminate them.
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“You are not alone in battle. We trust you and count on you. Carry on training while there is time, get organised, be prepared, the command will come.
“Thanks guys, we count on you, good luck.
“And anyone who now sees Gaza from a distance will soon see it from inside, I promise you.”
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