The Israeli army announced that it had intensified its strikes on Gaza in a “very significant” manner and also planned an extension of ground operations on the Palestinian territory.
The escalation of conflict continues in the Middle East, despite calls from the international community. The Israeli army announced that it had intensified its strikes on Gaza “very significant”, Friday October 27. The IDF also plans an expansion of ground operations on Palestinian territory. Hamas responded by firing rockets towards Israel. Here’s what to remember from the day.
A “very significant” increase in Israeli strikes in Gaza
The Israeli army announced Friday evening that it had intensified its strikes “very significant” on the Gaza Strip. These are the “largest strikes” against Gaza since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, according to Israeli public television channel Kan. “We will continue to strike in Gaza City and its surroundings,” Army spokesman Daniel Hagari announced in a televised statement.
Communications and internet have been cut in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas government in power in the Palestinian territory. The Palestinian telecoms company Jawwal confirmed the cut.
A new incursion into Gaza before an extension of ground operations
For the second night in a row, Friday October 27, the Israeli army filmed its armored vehicles in action in Gaza. “It was a coordinated operation by our forces. It lasted until dawn, we had no injuries,” said Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli army. The IDF also stormed a beach south of Gaza from the sea.
After these two incursions during the last nights in the Gaza Strip targeting “Hamas targets”the Israeli army announced “extend” its ground operations Friday evening.
Hamas “ready” to respond
A senior Hamas official Ezzat al-Risheq said his movement was “ready” to face a possible Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. The military branch of Hamas had earlier announced the shooting of “rocket salvos towards occupied lands (Israel, Editor’s note) in response to massacres against civilians” in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
According to Israeli media, rockets were fired towards Tel Aviv, central Israel and the northern West Bank, Palestinian territory occupied by Israel.
The UN General Assembly calls for an “immediate humanitarian truce”
The UN General Assembly has called by a large majority for a “immediate humanitarian truce”when the Israeli army announced “extend” its ground operations in the Gaza Strip. The non-binding resolution, castigated by Israel and the United States who denounced the absence of mention of Hamas, received 120 votes for, 14 against, and 45 abstentions, out of the 193 members of the UN, to applause.
In Europe, France voted for it, as did Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Ireland. Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and even Italy abstained. Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Hungary voted against.