Netanyahu assesses ground operation as an 'opportunity'

Speaking at the Israeli government's weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu made assessments regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, where the army is conducting attacks.

Netanyahu said, "We are in the middle of the war and we have set a clear goal to destroy Hamas's military and governing capabilities, and we are doing this systematically."

Stating that the ground operation into Gaza will "take time" and lead to "traps, difficulties, and losses," the Israeli Prime Minister added, "But in the end, I promise you one thing: Hamas will be defeated, it will be destroyed, and a different Gaza will exist."

"WE WILL NOT MISS THIS"

Netanyahu stated that they are continuing their efforts for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, saying, "The ground operation creates an opportunity for their release, and we will not miss it."

Touching upon the clashes on the Lebanese border, Netanyahu argued that if Hezbollah enters into a war with Israel, it would be "making the mistake of its life," adding, "You will receive a blow you cannot even imagine."

Netanyahu also reiterated Israel's warning for Palestinians in northern Gaza to move south, claiming that there are "safe zones" in the south.

On October 7, Hamas took at least 239 Israelis, including soldiers and police officers, hostage in border regions of Israel where it launched attacks from the Gaza Strip.

LATEST SITUATION IN ATTACKS ON GAZA

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on the morning of October 7.

The Israeli army began intensive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials announced that 1,400 Israelis, including 312 soldiers, were killed and 5,132 people were injured in the attacks from Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 8,306 Palestinians, including 3,457 children and 2,136 women, were killed and 21,048 people were injured in Israeli attacks.

In the occupied West Bank, 122 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 2,000 Palestinians have been injured in attacks by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers.

35 journalists in Gaza and 1 in Lebanon have lost their lives in Israeli bombardment.

Due to Israel's intensive attacks in the blockaded Gaza Strip, landline, mobile phone, and internet communication services in the region have come to a standstill.

The Israeli army began expanding limited ground operations on October 26 and further increased the intensity of its airstrikes.

Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest health facility in Gaza where thousands of wounded and civilians are located, has also been targeted by the Israeli army.

In the clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah since October 8, 48 Hezbollah members and 4 Israeli soldiers have been killed so far.