Anyone with information that could help free hostages held by Hamas has been offered money, confidentiality, and protection by the IDF.
in Tel Aviv According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have declared that they are ready to begin the eagerly awaited ground offensive to destroy the Gaza-based strongholds of the Palestinian terror organisation Hamas. IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi made it clear that his organisation was prepared to invade at a briefing held at the southern border of the nation. He continued by saying that, in coordination with the country’s political leadership, the IDF was currently determining the precise timing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza.
IDF Justifies Ground Invasion Delay In Gaza
Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi spoke of the delay in retaliation to the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7 and emphasised the strategic justification for it. He continued, “At this stage, there are tactical and strategic factors which are allowing us more time to improve and to exploit every minute to be more ready.” He emphasised that every second was spent attacking the enemy, taking out fighters, commanders, and infrastructure while gathering crucial intelligence for subsequent operations. Halevi said, “We are keeping him under tension,” adding that the longer Hamas waited, the more pressure it would be under.
IAF Retains Strikes Against Hamas Positions In Gaza
A separate counterterrorism operation led by the Shin Bet intelligence agency was made public by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). A number of Hamas-affiliated terrorists were stopped by the IAF. They included Khalil Mahjaz, deputy commander of the Shati Battalion, Abd al-Rahman, deputy commander of the Nuzirat Battalion, who took part in a deadly raid on Kibbutz Bari, and Khalil Tethari, deputy commander of the Sheikh Radwan Battalion.
The IDF warns Hamas
In a stern warning to Hamas, which, according to Israel, currently holds about 220 hostages, the IDF stated: “If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area.” “The Israeli military guarantees that it will make every effort to keep you and your home safe, and you will be compensated financially for its efforts. It provided contact information for anyone with information to come forward and assured them of complete confidentiality.