And even after that, the army stored a veil over its exercise. On Monday it launched solely restricted data, conveying the impression of a managed, low-intensity advance.
Mr. Netanyahu, talking to reporters, emphatically rejected appeals for a cease-fire as “requires Israel to give up to Hamas, to give up to terrorism.” Requested in regards to the loss of life toll in Gaza, Mr. Netanyahu stated that “not a single civilian has to die,” and he accused Hamas of “stopping them from leaving the areas of battle.”
The army launched unverified footage that appeared to point out Israeli tanks transferring slowly down seashores in northern Gaza. The clips additionally confirmed Israeli bulldozers reshaping the terrain, probably to ease the tanks’ passage or to destroy tunnel infrastructure. However the footage confirmed little precise combating, and reviews of clashes had been restricted to terse and imprecise statements.
After worldwide condemnation of the toll the assaults have taken on Palestinian civilians, Israel has spoken solely of its actions in opposition to Hamas fighters.
“Troops killed dozens of terrorists who barricaded themselves in buildings and tunnels,” learn one announcement from the Israeli army.
Hamas has additionally tried to show vagueness to its benefit. Its army wing has acknowledged clashing with Israeli troops, but in addition solely on the whole phrases. “Mujahedeen shock enemy forces advancing northwest of Beit Lahia,” stated one Hamas assertion on Monday afternoon.
By Monday night, it appeared that the Israeli troopers had been encircling Gaza Metropolis, sealing off entry to the town from the north and south, however nonetheless refraining from sending main forces inside it.
“A type of pincer motion, slicing it off and ensuring no person leaves,” is how Dr. Krieg described it.
Whether or not it’ll work is unclear: The true check will come as soon as the Israeli forces enter Gaza Metropolis.
“We’re not within the city fight stage but, the place it turns into very, very messy,” Dr. Krieg stated.
