Signalling it might escalate its actions additional, the Israeli navy stated on Sunday one in all its divisions that had operated in Lebanon, the place Israel fought Hamas’ Iranian-backed ally Hezbollah, was getting ready for potential motion in Gaza.
It distributed a video of tanks unloaded in a area and a caption that learn: “Preparations of the thirty sixth Division for Operations within the Gaza Strip.”
A minimum of 45 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah and Khan Younis up to now on Sunday, well being authorities stated.
Palestinian officers on Sunday put the demise toll from practically 18 months of battle at over 50,000.
The Israeli navy stated it does its greatest to cut back hurt to civilians and questioned the demise toll supplied by well being authorities within the Hamas-run territory.
Many of the useless in Gaza have been civilians, in line with well being officers. Israel says they embody round 20,000 fighters. Hamas doesn’t disclose casualty figures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the purpose of the conflict is to destroy Hamas as a navy and governing entity. The purpose of the brand new marketing campaign is to pressure the group to surrender remaining hostages, he stated on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Netanyahu to “emphasise US assist for Israel”, a State Division spokesperson stated. They mentioned Israel’s ongoing navy operations in Gaza, efforts to carry hostages dwelling and US strikes towards Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, the spokesperson added.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing 1,200 individuals, principally civilians, and taking greater than 250 hostages, in line with Israeli tallies.
“Israel’s navy offensive has triggered an appalling lack of life,” stated European Union international coverage chief Kaja Kallas. “So long as this conflict continues, either side lose.”
Kallas added Israel should respect civilian lives and that threats to annex components of Gaza had been unacceptable.
