The Israeli army has promised a “lengthy” offensive against Hamas, after a fresh wave of airstrikes against Gaza and a salvo of dozens of rockets fired from the strip into southern Israel.
Palestinians told Al Jazeera that eight people were injured in the Israeli strikes on Tuesday morning, one of which reportedly targeted the house of a senior member of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
The bombings came after at least 20 rockets were fired from Gaza. No injuries or damage were reported.
Overnight, the air force carried out some 50 airstrikes in the besieged territory, and on Tuesday Moshe Ya’alon, the defence minister, said the current campaign in Gaza would be lengthy
“We are preparing a campaign against Hamas that will not be completed within a few days,” Ya’alon said. “We are prepared to expand the campaign using every means at our disposal, to continue to strike the terrorist organisation.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far resisted pressure from within his government to launch a major offensive. But on Tuesday he said Israel would “take the gloves off” in dealing with Hamas.
“[They] chose escalation, and will pay a heavy price.”
The army announced on Tuesday that it will also mobilise “several thousand” more reservists, on top of 1,500 called up the previous day.
An army spokesman said that “all options are on the table,” provoking speculation that a ground invasion is being considered, but so far there is limited support for that within the government. Al Jazeera
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2 comments
I hate to say it: Jews were complicit in stealing the land of the KhoiSan and blacks in the likes of Barney Barnato. They doing the same with Palestine. Let’s start a national protest at the doors of every synagogue in this country, and ask the Rabbis; ‘Is this why you in OUR country?’
Correction: I am mindful of the numerous Jews who are against Israel. However, it is the despicable comments that are being by mainly white and Jews on the Gaza invasion that prompted me against this morbid lot on News 24. However, just as calls are made on Muslims to condemn atrocities (if not, we are terrorists, paedophiles, etc), I don’t see that coming from them on such forums.