Plans for a possible land invasion of the Gaza Strip will be presented today to the General Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces (IDF). Preparing them are the Gaza Division and the Southern Command of the IDF. The plans, reports the Times of Israel, will then be presented to the government, which is responsible for the final decision. In recent days, the IDF has amassed additional ground troops on the border with the Strip. These are soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade, the Golani Infantry Brigade and the 7th Armored Brigade.
During the night, the security cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the extension of military operations in the Strip. In particular, Channel 12 reported, the military intends to target the “symbols of Hamas power”, particularly its financial structures. According to Israeli media reports, Prime Minister Netanyahu has currently ruled out a ceasefire.
NIGHT OF FIRE
Meanwhile, five people were injured overnight in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, following continuous rocket fire on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli police announced this morning, reporting that there was a direct attack on the town, which is about ten kilometers from Tel Aviv. The five injured were taken to hospital, while a building and surrounding areas were severely damaged.
According to reports from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll of hostilities with Israel has risen to 67 dead and 388 injured in the Gaza Strip. Among the injured, there are 115 children and adolescents.
The IDF reported that Israel’s fighters struck Hamas’ main bank, naval vessels and counter-intelligence infrastructure overnight, in response to rocket fire starting Monday. In all, 1,160 rockets have been launched against Israel since the violence began this week. The Israeli authorities reported this this morning, according to local media reports. About 240 rockets, out of the total bombs launched from Gaza, landed at sea or in the territory of the Strip.