IOF say expanded Gaza ground operations, Resistance steadily confronts

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Oct 2023 00:19
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Palestinian Resistance in Gaza is confronting Israeli forces attempting to infiltrate the Strip on several fronts.

A Resistance fighter of Hamas' Al-Qassam during a parade in Gaza in 2019 (AFP)

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, is currently repelling a ground incursion into Beit Hanoun and eastern al-Bureij, with fierce confrontations taking place on the ground, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.

The Brigades later released a statement saying its fighters were battling Israeli forces inside Gaza, after "Israel" said it would expand its ground operations against the Palestinian militant group in the territory.

"We are confronting an Israeli ground incursion in Beit Hanoun (in the northern Gaza Strip) and in east Bureij (in the center) and violent engagements are taking place on the ground," al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement.

This comes after the Israeli occupation army said it expanded the scope of its ground operations to move into Gaza starting tonight, as per Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Friday.

"In continuation of the offensive operations that we have been conducting over the past several days, the army is expanding its ground operations this evening," Hagari told reporters, claiming that the military is able to fight on all fronts.

“We are prepared to defend in all arenas. We are acting in order to protect the security interests of the State of Israel,” he said, claiming that Israeli war jets are "significantly" striking underground targets.

Hagari's statement coincided with heavy confrontations between the Resistance and Israeli ground forces on several points across the Gaza border.

Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported that Israeli forces crossed from Khan Yunis in eastern Gaza, noting that their advancement has been minimal so far due to confrontations with Resistance forces.

Amid the ongoing violent aggression on Gaza, the Israeli occupation cut off internet and telecom services across the Strip, deepening the isolation of the massacred Palestinians.

In response to the Israeli atrocities, Hamas declared that the occupation entity, the United States, and their Western allies bear full responsibility for the horrifying series of massacres in Gaza.

The Resistance movement asserted that the disruption of communication and the internet in Gaza, coupled with the escalating airstrikes, strongly indicated the occupation's intent to carry out further acts of genocide, away from the scrutiny of the press.

Hamas called upon Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the international community, to uphold their responsibilities and take immediate action to halt the ongoing crimes and the relentless series of massacres against the Palestinian people.

Furthermore, the Resistance group urged the Palestinian populace in all regions, including the West Bank, occupied Al-Quds, the 1948 occupied territories, and the diaspora to rally together in support of Gaza and to help put an end to the aggression and the campaign of extermination.

On his part, Hussam Badran, a member of Hamas' Political Bureau, issued an urgent plea to Palestinians in the West Bank, emphasizing that now is "the time for unity and solidarity."

Earlier today, The Washington Post reported citing sources that the administration of US President Biden is urging "Israel" to reconsider its plans for a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip in favor of a more "surgical" operation.

US officials have reiterated their concerns about a ground invasion, most recently reminding the Israelis that it is still not sure they have a sound strategy for what they intend to accomplish in Gaza.

Among their main concerns are the captives and the number of casualties in Gaza, risking an escalation that could drag numerous fronts into the war.