Ground Attack on Hamas Positions in Gaza; Israel: More Attacks Are Coming

The Israeli army announced on Thursday that it had conducted a nighttime ground attack on Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation was part of preparations for a ground assault on Hamas in Gaza, and that more attacks are forthcoming. He mentioned in a televised update to citizens on Wednesday evening, "I will not provide further explanations about the timing, manner, or number of attacks." The Israeli army shared a video on the social media platform X showing the movement of armored vehicles and attacks on Hamas positions. The Israeli army stated: "Tanks and infantry targeted terrorist cells, infrastructure, and anti-tank missile launch sites." The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militant group, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist organization. In response to missile attacks by Hamas, supported by the Islamic Republic on October 7, which left 1,400 dead and took over 200 hostages, Israel has relentlessly targeted this group's positions with airstrikes. Hamas has threatened to kill some of the hostages it has taken to Gaza. Israel claims that more than half of the hostages hold foreign passports from 25 countries worldwide. The White House stated that President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu about "ongoing efforts to locate and ensure the freedom" of American hostages believed to be held in Gaza. The White House's statement indicated that the conversation also covered safe passage for foreigners wishing to leave Gaza, the continuous flow of aid to Gaza, and a roadmap for establishing lasting peace with the Palestinians. The White House noted: "Biden reiterated that Israel has the right and responsibility to defend its citizens against terrorism and to do so in accordance with international humanitarian law." Concerns from the U.S. regarding the Islamic Republic's proxy attacks on its soldiers were highlighted. The Wall Street Journal reported that, reflecting concerns over the escalation of the Gaza war, Israel has agreed to delay its attack on Gaza until U.S. air defense systems are deployed to protect American forces in the region. In response to a question about this report, U.S. officials told Reuters that Washington has discussed these concerns with Israel, noting that the Islamic Republic and Tehran-backed Islamist groups could escalate the conflict by attacking American forces in the Middle East. They stated that Israel's ground attack on Gaza could spark action from the Islamic Republic's proxy forces. Israeli fighter jets targeted Syrian army infrastructure on Wednesday in response to missiles fired from Syria, an ally of the Islamic Republic. Israel has also targeted the Aleppo airport in Syria and positions of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is supported by the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu's televised message: We are preparing for a ground attack on Gaza. The Israeli army conducted air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon. Israel: Hostages must be released unconditionally. McCall called for a resolution supporting Israel and condemning the Islamic Republic. Biden warned the "Ayatollah": Continued attacks on U.S. positions will not go unanswered. Netanyahu: We are ready for an attack; The Wall Street Journal: Israel agreed to delay the ground attack on Gaza.