Israel prepares for new ground operation in Gaza

The Israeli military is preparing to launch a new ground offensive in the Gaza Strip as there are no signs that Hamas is willing to disarm, Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported.

In a report published on Wednesday, 16 September, the newspaper said the military’s Southern Command is strengthening its positions along the Yellow Line and continuing targeted strikes, claiming that Hamas was rebuilding its capabilities.

Israel now has wider military control over parts of the Gaza Strip, the newspaper said, but maintaining that control poses complex challenges.

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The newspaper quoted Israeli officials as saying that unless Hamas voluntarily surrenders its weapons under the US-backed framework, the military could eventually be ordered to disarm the group by force.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday: “Everyone understands that Hamas will not disarm and will not destroy all the tunnels. The army is ready, if ordered to eliminate Hamas, to complete the mission so that we can implement the emigration plan.”

Yedioth Ahronoth said the Israeli military is maintaining a high tempo of attacks, including targeted strikes and the destruction of weapons depots. The Southern Command considers the attacks a means of pressuring Hamas to agree to a deal that includes disarmament.

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