Striking claim from Israeli press: Pressure on Israel from the US and Europe for a 'ground operation'
The Israeli press reported that some countries from the US and Europe are pressuring the Tel Aviv administration to delay a possible ground operation into the besieged Gaza Strip.
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Speaking to the Times of Israel, an unnamed senior official made assessments regarding Israel's possible ground offensive into Gaza.
Touching upon the release of 2 US citizens by Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, last night through Qatari mediation, the official stated that some countries from the US and Europe are quietly pressuring Israel to postpone launching a ground operation into Gaza, fearing that such an attack would disrupt efforts to secure the release of additional hostages in the foreseeable future.
The Qassam Brigades announced yesterday that they had released a US mother and daughter held captive in Gaza for humanitarian reasons in response to Qatar's efforts.
The released hostages reached the Israeli side during the night hours.
The Israeli administration states that there are around 200 hostages in the hands of Palestinian groups in Gaza.