Israeli Army Spokesman: Fight Against 'Criminal Organization' Hamas Continues

Residents of the Gaza Strip say that Israeli airstrikes last night were the most intense in the past ten days, and there is a possibility of a ground invasion by Israel into Gaza. According to Reuters, over a million people have left their homes out of concern for the escalation of Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to halt the attacks aimed at providing aid to Gaza residents are ongoing. However, Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli army, stated that no ceasefire will be established and Israel will continue its operations. He said, 'Currently, there are no such efforts. If anything changes, we will inform the people. We will continue the fight against Hamas, this criminal organization that carried out these (attacks).' Reuters reports that Israel has completely besieged Gaza and is preparing for a ground invasion aimed at destroying Hamas, which continues to launch rocket attacks on Israel. The Israeli army announced that on Monday, October 16, air raid sirens sounded in several cities in southern Israel. Since the beginning of Hamas's rocket attacks on Israel on October 6, 1,300 people in Israel, including foreign nationals, have been killed. According to the Associated Press, the death toll on both sides has exceeded 4,000. With shortages of food, fuel, and drinking water, hundreds of tons of aid from several countries are waiting in Egypt for an agreement to safely deliver it to Gaza and evacuate some foreign passport holders through the Rafah border crossing. Egyptian security sources told Reuters early on Monday that an agreement had been reached between Egypt, Israel, and the United States to open this crossing for humanitarian aid and the exit of foreign hostages. However, Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the Prime Minister of Israel, stated, 'Currently, there is no ceasefire for sending humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for the exit of foreigners.' Reuters journalists reported that a small crowd gathered at the crossing that was the only one not controlled by Israel, waiting to enter Egypt. The United States had advised its citizens in Gaza to go to this crossing. The Biden administration estimates the number of American-Palestinians in Gaza to be between 500 and 600. Washington is also working to free 199 hostages that Israel says have been kidnapped by Hamas, which reportedly includes elderly people, women, children, and foreigners, including Americans. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has sent military aid to Israel but has also emphasized the need to send humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and has asked Israel to adhere to the laws of war in response to Hamas's attacks. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, returned to Israel for the second time in less than a week to consult with senior Israeli officials about discussions he had with Arab leaders regarding the war between Israel and Hamas. Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday after visiting six Arab countries and addressing Arab leaders' concerns about Israel's impending ground invasion of Gaza, which could lead to a humanitarian disaster for Palestinians and potentially ignite regional conflict. His discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and members of his national security team come as the White House considers a possible visit by Joe Biden to Israel. Blinken will also separately meet with Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, Yoav Gallant, the Minister of Defense, and Yair Lapid, the opposition leader. U.S. officials have warned that the war between Israel and Hamas may escalate following cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants supported by the Islamic Republic. On Monday, Israel announced that it would evacuate residents of 28 villages along the border with Lebanon after one of them was attacked by Hezbollah rockets on Sunday. Israeli media reported the death of a civilian in this attack. Meanwhile, Najib Mikati, the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon, emphasized in a phone call with senior American officials and leaders and senior diplomats from Britain, France, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, and Italy that he would try to prevent his country from being drawn into a new war with Israel. There are concerns that Hezbollah may disregard the Lebanese government's concerns and escalate regional tensions if Israel conducts a ground invasion of Gaza. The Israeli army spokesperson threatened that if Hezbollah continues its attacks against Israel, it will face a 'deadly' response. He added that Hezbollah conducted several attacks on Sunday under the guidance and support of the Islamic Republic to divert our attention from Gaza.