Ground operation in Gaza: Hamas says it is repelling Israeli assaults
Date: 2023-10-31 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: WORLD
The terrorist group Hamas said its militants in Gaza fired anti-tank missiles at the Israeli army. This happened on the morning of Tuesday, October 31st.
Israel has expanded its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. The IDF attacked Gaza's main road from north to south and Gaza City from two directions. Israel announced the release of one military and one civilian hostage from captivity.
At the same time, the Al-Qassam Brigade (the armed wing of Hamas) said that the militants clashed with Israeli forces that had “invaded the Southern Axis of Gaza.” A machine gun battle took place. According to Hamas, four IDF vehicles were destroyed with Al-Yasin 105 rockets (locally produced anti-tank missiles). The militants also fired rockets at two Israeli tanks and bulldozers in northwestern Gaza.
Reuters could not confirm reports of fighting. Israel does not comment on this information.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Monday that Israel will not agree to an end to hostilities with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and will continue its plans to destroy the group.
"Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism, to surrender to barbarism. This will not happen," Netanyahu said.
Military experts say the IDF is moving slowly with its ground offensive in part to preserve the possibility of negotiating the release of the hostages.
