Israeli military: Israel has begun preparing for an attack on Gaza City
Israeli military spokesperson Efi Deifrin said on Wednesday that the Israeli military has started preliminary operations to seize control of Gaza City. He said, "We will intensify attacks on Hamas, the terrorist organization's stronghold - Gaza City."
The Israeli military spokesperson added, "We have begun preliminary operations and entered the first phase of the attack on Gaza. Our forces have already controlled the suburbs of Gaza City."
Previously, on Wednesday morning, the Israeli military clashed with Hamas fighters near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
An Israeli military official said that on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces clashed with about 15 Hamas fighters near Khan Yunis. The militants came out of tunnels with weapons and anti-tank missiles, causing three Israeli soldiers to be injured, one of whom was seriously wounded.
Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed in a statement that they launched a surprise attack on Israeli forces in the southeast of Khan Yunis. This Hamas faction added that during several hours of fighting, a fighter detonated a bomb among soldiers, causing casualties. The attack lasted for several hours.
Still on Wednesday, Israel announced that it had mobilized tens of thousands of reserve personnel before launching an offensive on Gaza City.
AFP said that although this mobilization of reserve personnel indicates Israel's determination to launch an attack on Gaza City, the main city of the Gaza Strip, the time required for this mobilization may also provide time for Egypt and Qatar's mediation efforts to try to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Israel is reviewing a ceasefire proposal that Hamas has already accepted.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841035682862087/
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