Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the country was preparing itself for a ground invasion, but didn't share further details of the scope or the timing of a possible move on Gaza. During an video address to the Israeli public, Netanyahu said: 'Together with the chief of staff and the cabinet, we are working to ensure the ideal conditions for our troops for the next operations'

Israel-Palestine war: Israel preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, says Netanyahu

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Palestinian militant group Hamas isn't a terrorist organization but a liberation group fighting a battle to protect its land.

Tayyip Erdogan cancels Israel visit, says Hamas is a 'liberation group'

According to the Israeli military, 224 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas and other militant organizations. According to a military spokesman, Israel has identified 228 hostages that were captured on October 7 by Hamas and the other organizations. Earlier this week, two elderly women were among the four hostages who were freed.

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli military says hostages held by Hamas has risen to 224

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse, which is why there are more strikes. In an attempt to save hostages and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that he "did not demand" that Israel postpone a ground invasion of the region.

Israel-Palestine war | Joe Biden: Did not demand Israel to delay ground offensive

As Israel launched a ground invasion of Gaza on Thursday, employing tanks to strike Hamas sites, US President Joe Biden made hints that the recent announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor may have played a role in the Hamas rebels' October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel-Palestine war | Biden: India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor incited Hamas

The Joe Biden administration in the United States is preparing for the possibility of carrying out a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of American citizens from the Middle East if the ongoing conflict in Gaza isn't contained, the Washington Post reported citing officials.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel delays ground invasion to allow US missile defence in region

According to a report, these sponge bombs, a unique creation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), do not contain explosives but serve the purpose of sealing off gaps or tunnel entrances from which enemy fighters might emerge.

Israel adds new weapons to its arsenal, unleashes game-changing weapon against Hamas | WION Dispatch

Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25). The statement from Hezbollah did not reveal on what day or where the meeting took place. It only said that Nasrallah met Hamas number two Saleh al-Aruri and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh at an undisclosed location and that the talks revolved around achieving "real victory" in the conflict with Israel.

The meeting, as claimed by Hezbollah, took place just when Israeli forces are exchanging fire with the Lebanese group and its Palestinian ally across Lebanon-Israel border. The developments have raised the spectre of new front of conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Watch | Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion'

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The groups are part of the so-called "axis of resistance" which comprises of Palestinian,&nbsp;Lebanese, Syrian and other Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel.

The statement from Hezbollah said that the participants in the meeting discussed what "the axis of resistance must do at this critical stage to achieve real victory... in Gaza and Palestine and stop&nbsp;Israel's brutal aggression".

Hezbollah said that they also discussed "recent events in the Gaza Strip since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," a reference to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-set-the-record-straight-un-chief-clarifies-his-hamas-remarks-after-enraging-israel-651217">‘Need to set the record straight’: UN chief clarifies his Hamas remarks after enraging Israel</a>

Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. The health ministry run by Hamas has reported that 5,791 deaths have taken place in the enclave in the Israeli offensive in response to the October 7 attack.

The statement from the Hezbollah added that Nasrallah and militant leaders from Palestine "agreed to keep coordinating and daily following up on developments."

Hamas and Hezbollah have for long co-ordinated with Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Hezbollah said that the meeting also touched upon the cross-border fire at Israel-Lebanon border.

AFP has reported that at least 52 people have been killed so far in Lebanon. These are mostly Hezbollah fighters but the tally also includes civilians. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah is one such casualty.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25). The statement from Hezbollah did not reveal on what day or where the meeting took place. It only said that Nasrallah met Hamas number two Saleh al-Aruri and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh at an undisclosed location and that the talks revolved around achieving "real victory" in the conflict with Israel. The meeting, as claimed by Hezbollah, took place just when Israeli forces are exchanging fire with the Lebanese group and its Palestinian ally across Lebanon-Israel border. The developments have raised the spectre of new front of conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Watch | Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion' × The groups are part of the so-called "axis of resistance" which comprises of Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian and other Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel. The statement from Hezbollah said that the participants in the meeting discussed what "the axis of resistance must do at this critical stage to achieve real victory... in Gaza and Palestine and stop Israel's brutal aggression". Hezbollah said that they also discussed "recent events in the Gaza Strip since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," a reference to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel. Also Read | ‘Need to set the record straight’: UN chief clarifies his Hamas remarks after enraging Israel Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. The health ministry run by Hamas has reported that 5,791 deaths have taken place in the enclave in the Israeli offensive in response to the October 7 attack. The statement from the Hezbollah added that Nasrallah and militant leaders from Palestine "agreed to keep coordinating and daily following up on developments." Hamas and Hezbollah have for long co-ordinated with Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Hezbollah said that the meeting also touched upon the cross-border fire at Israel-Lebanon border. AFP has reported that at least 52 people have been killed so far in Lebanon. These are mostly Hezbollah fighters but the tally also includes civilians. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah is one such casualty. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief meets Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders, says the Lebanese group

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The proposals come days after the US vetoed a draft resolution proposed by Brazil which condemned the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas and called for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting to allow for aid delivery.

However, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the time criticised the text for not mentioning Israel’s right to defend itself.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Broadly similar’ US and Russia proposals</h2>

Notably, both resolutions are said to be similarly worded but the Russia-led proposal calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” while the US has called for a “humanitarian pause” to enable the safe delivery of aid to civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;

Both resolutions condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and urged the UN to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia, China veto US-led resolution</h2>

Russia and China vetoed the US-led resolution which reportedly shocked several diplomats as it said Israel has a right to defend itself and demanded Iran stop exporting arms to militant groups.&nbsp;

Nine countries, aside from the US, voted in favour of the Washington-led resolution – Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

However, it was rejected since China and Russia – two permanent members of the council – voted against the proposal. Brazil and Mozambique abstained from voting.

Ahead of the vote, Thomas-Greenfield said that the US has “worked exhaustively to draft a strong and balanced text.” She also said that in drafting the resolution, “we listened, we engaged” with humanitarian agencies and that the draft includes mechanisms to protect civilians and UN personnel.&nbsp;

However, after the resolution was double vetoed, Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council that she was disappointed and “though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred.”

“The draft does not reflect the world’s strongest calls for a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and it does not help resolve the issue,” said China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun after the vote.&nbsp;

He added, “At this moment, ceasefire is not just a diplomatic term. It means the life and death of many civilians.”

<h2>Russia-led resolutions fails to garner enough votes</h2>

Meanwhile, the Russia-led resolution calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and immediate cancellation of evacuation orders by the Israeli army forcing around one million people from northern Gaza to head to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of the ground assault.&nbsp;

Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya told the council he did not see the point of supporting the US-led draft which, according to him, served the geopolitical interests of one of the members of the council.&nbsp;

However, the Russian proposal failed to garner the minimum number of votes – four – to pass the resolution. A resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the five permanent members of the Security Council in order for it to be adopted.&nbsp;

Four countries that voted in favour of Russia’s resolution were China, Gabon, and UAE while the US and UK voted against it. Additionally, nine countries abstained from voting for Russia’s proposal.&nbsp;

This was Russia’s second attempt at a resolution after only five members voted in favour of its previous text on October 16.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Russia and the United States on Wednesday (Oct 25) voted against each others’ draft resolutions which has further deepened the United Nations Security Council’s deadlock over any unified response to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The proposals come days after the US vetoed a draft resolution proposed by Brazil which condemned the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas and called for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting to allow for aid delivery. However, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the time criticised the text for not mentioning Israel’s right to defend itself. ‘Broadly similar’ US and Russia proposals Notably, both resolutions are said to be similarly worded but the Russia-led proposal calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” while the US has called for a “humanitarian pause” to enable the safe delivery of aid to civilians in Gaza. Both resolutions condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and urged the UN to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Russia, China veto US-led resolution Russia and China vetoed the US-led resolution which reportedly shocked several diplomats as it said Israel has a right to defend itself and demanded Iran stop exporting arms to militant groups. Nine countries, aside from the US, voted in favour of the Washington-led resolution – Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. However, it was rejected since China and Russia – two permanent members of the council – voted against the proposal. Brazil and Mozambique abstained from voting. Ahead of the vote, Thomas-Greenfield said that the US has “worked exhaustively to draft a strong and balanced text.” She also said that in drafting the resolution, “we listened, we engaged” with humanitarian agencies and that the draft includes mechanisms to protect civilians and UN personnel. However, after the resolution was double vetoed, Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council that she was disappointed and “though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred.” “The draft does not reflect the world’s strongest calls for a ceasefire, an end to the fighting, and it does not help resolve the issue,” said China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun after the vote. He added, “At this moment, ceasefire is not just a diplomatic term. It means the life and death of many civilians.” Russia-led resolutions fails to garner enough votes Meanwhile, the Russia-led resolution calls for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and immediate cancellation of evacuation orders by the Israeli army forcing around one million people from northern Gaza to head to the southern part of the Gaza Strip ahead of the ground assault. Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya told the council he did not see the point of supporting the US-led draft which, according to him, served the geopolitical interests of one of the members of the council. However, the Russian proposal failed to garner the minimum number of votes – four – to pass the resolution. A resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the five permanent members of the Security Council in order for it to be adopted. Four countries that voted in favour of Russia’s resolution were China, Gabon, and UAE while the US and UK voted against it. Additionally, nine countries abstained from voting for Russia’s proposal. This was Russia’s second attempt at a resolution after only five members voted in favour of its previous text on October 16. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council

Iran’s elite Quds Force gave specialised military training to 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in the weeks leading up to the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed in a report.

Citing ‘people familiar with intelligence related to the assault’, the US-based newspaper claimed that the militants were trained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards' elite forces in Iran in September.

The report noted that the modus operandi of Hamas was similar to the techniques used by the Iranian paramilitary groups.

The terrorists had paraglided into southern Israel after disabling Israeli observation posts in drone strikes, while some rode in on motorcycles—techniques commonly used by Iranian paramilitary groups, and not seen among Hamas till now, the WSJ report claimed.

<h2>US and Israel long suspected Iran's role</h2>

US and Israel have long accused Iran of helping Hamas to launch terror attacks that left more than 1,500 Israelis dead and over 200 taken as hostages.

But US officials have said they have no evidence that Iran was involved in the planning or execution

“Before the war, Iran directly assisted Hamas with money, training and weapons and technological know-how,” IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told Times of Israel on Tuesday (Oct 24). “Even now, Iran is helping Hamas with intelligence.”

Tehran, which lauded the attack, has denied its involvement. Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement calling the attack “fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people.”

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly praised the massacre while at the same time denied the country’s role in the attack.

“We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers,”&nbsp;Khamenei said.

But he added: “Those who say that the recent saga is the work of non-Palestinians have miscalculated.”

<h2>Iran funds Hamas&nbsp;</h2>

Israel claims that Iran supports Hamas to the tune of around $100 million dollars a year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/israel-hamas-war-ground-invasion-looming-israel-asks-google-to-disable-live-traffic-maps-in-gaza-651219">Israel-Hamas war: Ground invasion looming? Israel asks Google to disable live traffic maps in Gaza</a>

In 2021, the US State Department said that the group receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran, as well as some funds that are raised in Gulf Arab countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-stops-un-staff-visas-after-antonio-guterres-branded-terror-apologist-over-controversial-hamas-remarks-651243">Israel stops UN staff visas after Antonio Guterres is branded 'terror apologist' for his Hamas remarks</a>

Apart from Hamas, Iran has strong ties to Lebanon’s Shia armed group Hezbollah.

Tehran has often boasted about an ironclad security coordination with Palestinian Islamist groups.

<h2>Statement by Hamas and Iran</h2>

Hamas claims it planned the attack on its own, without any support from a foreign player.

Mahmoud Mirdawi, a senior Hamas official, said, “This is a Palestinian and Hamas decision.”

Iran also made clear that it stood by Hamas’ actions but didn’t direct them.

“The decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people,” a spokesman for the Iranian mission at the UN said. “We are not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is taken solely by Palestine itself,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran’s elite Quds Force gave specialised military training to 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in the weeks leading up to the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed in a report.

Iran’s elite Quds Force gave specialised military training to 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in the weeks leading up to the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed in a report. Citing ‘people familiar with intelligence related to the assault’, the US-based newspaper claimed that the militants were trained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards' elite forces in Iran in September. The report noted that the modus operandi of Hamas was similar to the techniques used by the Iranian paramilitary groups. The terrorists had paraglided into southern Israel after disabling Israeli observation posts in drone strikes, while some rode in on motorcycles—techniques commonly used by Iranian paramilitary groups, and not seen among Hamas till now, the WSJ report claimed. US and Israel long suspected Iran's role US and Israel have long accused Iran of helping Hamas to launch terror attacks that left more than 1,500 Israelis dead and over 200 taken as hostages. But US officials have said they have no evidence that Iran was involved in the planning or execution “Before the war, Iran directly assisted Hamas with money, training and weapons and technological know-how,” IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told Times of Israel on Tuesday (Oct 24). “Even now, Iran is helping Hamas with intelligence.” Tehran, which lauded the attack, has denied its involvement. Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement calling the attack “fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people.” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly praised the massacre while at the same time denied the country’s role in the attack. “We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers,” Khamenei said. But he added: “Those who say that the recent saga is the work of non-Palestinians have miscalculated.” Iran funds Hamas Israel claims that Iran supports Hamas to the tune of around $100 million dollars a year. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Ground invasion looming? Israel asks Google to disable live traffic maps in Gaza In 2021, the US State Department said that the group receives funding, weapons, and training from Iran, as well as some funds that are raised in Gulf Arab countries. Also read | Israel stops UN staff visas after Antonio Guterres is branded 'terror apologist' for his Hamas remarks Apart from Hamas, Iran has strong ties to Lebanon’s Shia armed group Hezbollah. Tehran has often boasted about an ironclad security coordination with Palestinian Islamist groups. Statement by Hamas and Iran Hamas claims it planned the attack on its own, without any support from a foreign player. Mahmoud Mirdawi, a senior Hamas official, said, “This is a Palestinian and Hamas decision.” Iran also made clear that it stood by Hamas’ actions but didn’t direct them. “The decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people,” a spokesman for the Iranian mission at the UN said. “We are not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is taken solely by Palestine itself,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran’s Quds Force trained 500 Hamas terrorists ahead of Oct 7 attack: Report

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Tel Aviv to declare his nation's 'full solidarity' with Israel. Following that incident, Macron was scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey France's "complete solidarity" with Israel, according to the French presidency.

EU leaders summit amid Israel-Palestine war: Macron says, 'Ground offensive will be an error'

Over the last few days Israel's strongest ally - the US - has been voicing its concern over the war against Hamas.

Israel-Palestine war takes toll on US bases, US increases military deployment

As he gets ready to meet with the Muslim MPs in the party, Keir Starmer is facing criticism over Labour's position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. He has acknowledged the "distress" caused by comments he made in which he implied that Israel had the "right" to cut off water and power to the Gaza strip.

Israel-Palestine war: Starmer faces backlash over stance on war, fails to mention Gaza war at PMQ

Iron Sting: Israel's latest weapon system | Israel to use sponge bombs in Gaza | World News | WION

Israel-Hamas war: Macron says ground offensive will be an error

Israel launched a brief incursion into Gaza with tanks taking part in a "targeted raid" overnight in the northern part, the army said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26). This comes amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-un-security-council-to-vote-on-resolutions-proposed-by-us-russia-for-gaza-651304">Israel's preparation for a ground invasion</a>.&nbsp;

"Overnight, the IDF conducted a targeted raid using tanks in the northern Gaza Strip, as part of preparations for the next stages of combat," the army said, further adding that "the soldiers exited the area at the end of the activity".&nbsp;

In a televised statement late Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were "preparing for a ground offensive", besides the heavy bombing campaign of Hamas-controlled Gaza.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said the decision on when forces would go into the Palestinian enclave would be taken by the government's special war cabinet, which includes the leader of one of the centrist opposition parties.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-idf-mulls-ground-operation-in-gaza-here-is-what-postwar-scenario-would-look-like-651399">As IDF mulls ground operation in Gaza, here is what post-war scenario might look like</a>

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza. 
 
IDF tanks &amp; infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts. 
 
The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory. <a href="https://t.co/oMdSDR84rU">pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU</a>
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Netanyahu said, "We have already killed thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning". He added, "Simultaneously, we are preparing for a ground invasion. I will not elaborate on when, how or how many. I will also not elaborate on the various calculations we are making, which the public is mostly unaware of and that is how things should be."&nbsp;

The Israel-Palestine conflict escalated after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people, as per Israeli officials.&nbsp;

Israel waged war, calling it retaliatory actions, which has killed more than 6,500 Gazans, as per the figures released by the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the territory.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster</a>&nbsp;

The Israeli military said that during the overnight raid, "soldiers located and struck numerous terrorists, terror infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts, and operated to prepare the battlefield".&nbsp;

A spokesman for the military confirmed to the news agency AFP that this was not the first time Israeli soldiers and tanks had entered Gaza for limited incursions since Oct 7.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, who has so far not taken responsibility for the security failures that led to the Hamas attack, said all involved would be called to account.

He said, "The scandal will be fully investigated. Everyone will have to give answers, me too. But all this will happen only after the war."&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel launched a brief incursion into Gaza with tanks taking part in a "targeted raid" overnight in the northern part, the army said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26).

Israel launched a brief incursion into Gaza with tanks taking part in a "targeted raid" overnight in the northern part, the army said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 26). This comes amid Israel's preparation for a ground invasion. "Overnight, the IDF conducted a targeted raid using tanks in the northern Gaza Strip, as part of preparations for the next stages of combat," the army said, further adding that "the soldiers exited the area at the end of the activity". In a televised statement late Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were "preparing for a ground offensive", besides the heavy bombing campaign of Hamas-controlled Gaza. Netanyahu said the decision on when forces would go into the Palestinian enclave would be taken by the government's special war cabinet, which includes the leader of one of the centrist opposition parties. Also read: As IDF mulls ground operation in Gaza, here is what post-war scenario might look like Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza. IDF tanks & infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts. The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2023 × Netanyahu said, "We have already killed thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning". He added, "Simultaneously, we are preparing for a ground invasion. I will not elaborate on when, how or how many. I will also not elaborate on the various calculations we are making, which the public is mostly unaware of and that is how things should be." The Israel-Palestine conflict escalated after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people, as per Israeli officials. Israel waged war, calling it retaliatory actions, which has killed more than 6,500 Gazans, as per the figures released by the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the territory. Also read: How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster The Israeli military said that during the overnight raid, "soldiers located and struck numerous terrorists, terror infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts, and operated to prepare the battlefield". A spokesman for the military confirmed to the news agency AFP that this was not the first time Israeli soldiers and tanks had entered Gaza for limited incursions since Oct 7. Netanyahu, who has so far not taken responsibility for the security failures that led to the Hamas attack, said all involved would be called to account. He said, "The scandal will be fully investigated. Everyone will have to give answers, me too. But all this will happen only after the war." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli tanks conduct overnight 'targeted raid' in northern Gaza during brief incursion

Israel-Palestine war: Israel's aggressive stand on Gaza- What Europe says

UK: Keir Starmer faces backlash over stance in Israel-Palestine war

Israel preparing sponge bomb as its secret weapon to block Gaza tunnels: Report

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday on the veracity of the Palestinian death toll statistics in the Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas control. Over 6,500 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with about 2,700 of them being minors. Biden was questioned about whether Israel was disregarding US requests to reduce civilian casualties in its assault of the coastal enclave during a White House news conference.

Israel-Palestine war: Where do other countries stand?

Russia tests nuclear missile from submarine. Russia has tested its ability to deliver a retaliatory in nuclear strike now according to reports the command and control exercise involves the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia test fires missiles, practicing retaliatory nuclear strike

Israel is offering cash, safety to Gazans in exchange of information on the hostages. IDF has dropped leaflets into Gaza asking residents to contact the Israeli military through secured channels.

Israel-Palestine war: Families of Israeli hostages demand government save them

It's been more than two weeks since the war between Israel and Hamas began. In Africa though, the demonstrations have had a mixed bowl of support for Palestinians being bombarded by Israel and some African leaders like Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi being accused of piggybacking on the demos for political gain.

Israel-Palestine war: El-Sisi piggybacking on sympathy | World Of Africa

The hostage situation has taken centrestage in the Israel war. Axios says that Israel is now willing to delay the ground offensive into Gaza to discuss the large release of hostages. Hamas has released two more hostages. Listen to their horror stories.

Gravitas: Hostage released by Hamas shares horror story

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