Israeli commanders were making plans for a ground war against Gaza’s militants.
Despite warnings that they could drag Gaza to ‘the depths of hell,’ a ground offensive scheme will be presented to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as the death toll in Palestine passed 85 this week.
The number of severely injured Palestinians is almost 500, including 86 children.
Even though campaign groups call for a ceasefire, there is almost no sign of either side trying to stop the cross-border barrage.
The charity Christian Aid said: “Even without a threatened ground invasion these figures will go up; with one, they will take us into the depths of hell.
“The international community cannot afford to continue failing in their responsibility to use every possible measure to stop the violence.”
Sirens blared in southern Israel as 100 rockets flew out of Gaza.
Sources from Israel said the government was determined to avoid ground war, considering the 2014 Gaza War that took the lives of 72 Israelis and 2,310 Palestinians.
“Plans are being drawn up for a ground offensive, even though the Israeli Defence Force has inflicted serious damage on the Hamas military leadership,” one source said.
“There is only so much Israeli intelligence can do in terms of picking out Hamas buildings to hit. A ground offensive… unthinkable just days ago, remains nevertheless on the table.”
Yesterday, Israel declined a ceasefire offer from Hamas.
The group launched 1,700 rockets at Israel since Monday, taking the lives of six civilians and a solider. Among people killed are nine senior Hamas leaders.
Many bases of the Palestinian groups collapsed.
“The campaign is still far from over,” said one Israeli minister after a meeting with Mr. Netanyahu. “Whatever we don’t do now we will have to do in six months or a year from now.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!