Israeli Defense Minister to Ground Forces: Prepare for Attack on Gaza

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, in a speech urged ground units of the army stationed at the Gaza border to be 'prepared' for an attack into the region. According to the Associated Press, he mentioned the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, stating, 'It may take a week, a month, or two months to destroy them.' Tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers have been deployed in the area. Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Rafah crossing is expected to remain closed despite promises of reopening and the possibility of sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. CNN added that the fate of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza remains uncertain. The United Nations reported that thousands of tons of humanitarian aid are stuck behind the Rafah crossing. Additionally, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed to open the Rafah crossing to allow the first shipment of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Following this, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that at Biden's request and based on the cabinet's decision, it would not obstruct humanitarian aid from Egypt. However, the statement emphasized that this aid should not be accessible to the militant group Hamas. This group, which is financially and militarily supported by the Islamic Republic, attacked Israel on October 6, resulting in at least 1,400 deaths, mostly civilians. More than 200 Israeli civilians and military personnel have also been taken hostage by Hamas and Islamic Jihad and transferred to the Gaza Strip, with little information available on their status. In response to this attack, Israel has besieged Gaza and commenced its assaults, which continue to this day. Hamas officials claim that thousands have been killed and wounded in these attacks, most of whom are civilians. However, Israel insists that its attacks target Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. McCall: We will help Israel protect itself against 'terrorism' supported by the Islamic Republic. A Lebanese was killed during a firefight between Israel and Hezbollah. The latest U.S. assessment of the casualties from the al-Ahli hospital explosion; likely between 100 and 300. The possibility of Houthis entering the conflict; a U.S. Navy warship intercepted several missiles near Yemen. The U.S. Attorney General warned about the increasing threats arising from the Israel-Hamas war. Exclusive; Ilan Berman: The Hamas attack was the result of a 'long-term campaign' by the Islamic Republic.