Israel Defeats 'Nest Of Terror' In Gaza Strip, Preparing Ground Operation
- 11.10.2023, 7:40
Important Hamas centres destroyed.
On Wednesday, October 11, the Israeli army continued to strike the Gaza Strip following a massive Hamas attack that began in the early morning hours five days ago. Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli air force has hit hundreds of targets in Gaza, including the homes of Hamas commander Mohammed Deif's relatives: members of his family have been killed.
Israel is also preparing to launch a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, and US President Joe Biden has warned Iran and its allies against trying to intervene in what is happening.
The IDF said Israeli aircraft hit more than 200 targets in the Gaza neighbourhood of al-Furqan. The area, the Israeli military said, is a "nest of terror" and is used by Hamas as a centre for launching attacks against Israel.
The overnight strikes were the third "wave" of air attacks on Al Furqan in the past 24 hours, with the IDF claiming to have hit some 450 targets in just 24 hours. Dozens of fighter jets were used to carry out the strikes.
According to some Israeli media, among the targets hit was the home of relatives of Mohammed Deif, a Hamas military commander, who is credited with developing and organising the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation - the name Hamas gave to the attack on Israel that began on October 7.
Deif's brother and other family members were killed in the strike, media reports said.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking to soldiers, announced "changes" for Hamas.
"Hamas wanted changes, and it will get it. What was happening in Gaza will no longer happen again. We launched an offensive from the air, later we will also launch an offensive from the ground. We have been in control of the territory since the second day and we are conducting an offensive. It will only intensify," he stressed.
At the same time, US President Joe Biden (called the Hamas attacks "an act of pure evil" and announced the delivery of additional military aid to Israel. It will include, among other things, ammunition and missiles for the Israeli "Iron Dome" air defence system.
Biden also told reporters that the US is "strengthening the position of our military forces in the region to enhance our deterrence": a US aircraft carrier strike group and fighter aircraft have been redeployed for this purpose.
"Let me say again to any country, any organisation, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation: I have one word: don't do it," Biden warned those forces that might intend to intervene in the Israel-Hamas standoff.
One of the key recipients of Biden's warning is obviously Iran, which has openly supported the Hamas attack. Meanwhile, Reuters writes that US officials state that they have no evidence that Iran orchestrated the attacks, but point to Iran's long-term support for Hamas.
Biden also sent to Israel his chief diplomat Anthony Blinken, who will convey a "message of solidarity and support".
We remind you that in the early morning of October 7, Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel: thousands of rockets flew at the country, and groups of terrorists broke through the border and began to kill and kidnap civilians.
In response to the aggression, Israel announced the launch of the "Iron Swords" operation, and the Israeli Security Council unanimously approved a land operation in the Gaza Strip. The army has already mobilised more than 300,000 reservists.
Israel has also launched a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip: since Monday, October 9, no food or fuel has been delivered there.