After the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, Egypt has now also responded – and closed its only border crossing there. Meanwhile, Israel has almost completely evacuated border towns near the Palestinian territory in anticipation of a likely imminent ground offensive.
Nearly all residents of the border towns have been moved to safer areas, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday. “There are a few people who wanted to stay or who are needed in the places.”
A security source in Egypt confirmed to the German news agency on Tuesday that Egyptian authorities had closed the Rafah border crossing until further notice. The reason for this is the continued Israeli attacks near the border crossing. The situation at the border crossing is dangerous for citizens and workers.
Border fence back under Israeli control
The Israeli army says it has regained control of the border fence to the Gaza Strip after the Islamist Hamas attack that left around 900 dead. Mines are being placed in areas where Hamas fighters have broken through. The border with the Gaza Strip has been secured again, Hagari said.
He spoke of an ‘iron wall’ with protection against tanks and air power. Any Palestinian who approaches the barrier with Israel will be shot. Hamas has nowhere left to hide in the Gaza Strip, the military spokesman said. “We can catch them anywhere.”
Intensive air raids every four hours
The air force covers the Palestinian enclave every four hours with intensive air strikes. There has been no new infiltration from the Gaza Strip since Monday. Regarding rumors that armed fighters used tunnels to enter Israeli territory, Hagari said the military does not have such information.
The discovery of approximately 1,500 Hamas fighters killed in Israel was also reported. “About 1,500 bodies of Hamas fighters were found in Israel and around the Gaza Strip,” army spokesman Richard Hecht said on Tuesday.
Signs of a ground offensive are becoming more and more concrete
Following the devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists, there are increasing signs of an impending Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Israel ordered the complete closure of the area, which is only 40 kilometers long and six to 12 kilometers wide, while the army mobilized 300,000 reservists. “What Hamas will experience will be harsh and terrible. We are just beginning,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing revenge.
The Israeli Air Force is bringing hundreds of reservists who are in Europe back to Israel. Hercules transport aircraft would be used for this, she announced on social media. It initially remained unclear from which European regions the reservists would be flown in.
Massive reactions to Hamas massacres
Hundreds of terrorists crossed the border into Israel on behalf of Hamas in a surprise attack on Saturday. In the massacre that followed, approximately 900 people were killed in Israel, men, women and children. At least 123 Israeli soldiers were killed, the army said.
Israeli army spokesman Hagari also said on Tuesday that 50 families had been personally informed that their relatives had been deported to the Gaza Strip. However, according to official Israeli information, at least a hundred have been kidnapped, including soldiers. According to the Foreign Ministry in Vienna, the hostages could also include three Austrian-Israeli citizens with dual nationality.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
