Attack will "eradicate Hamas from the roots... everything should go away," a senior official promises.

Following a Hamas attack on October 7 that left at least 1,400 Israelis dead, mostly civilians, Israel has activated 360,000 reservists, gathered a sizable army around the slender coastal strip of Gaza, and strengthened border defenses in anticipation of a possible attack from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

a Palestinian who backs Hamas.

What is Hamas, the militant organization in charge of Gaza?

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After a full day of negotiations, Joe Biden left Israel on Wednesday, claiming that US and Israeli officials had considered "alternatives" to a massive ground invasion into Gaza that would almost surely result in a significant number of civilian casualties. In the enclave, the last 12 days of aircraft bombardment had already claimed the lives of more over 3,000 Palestinians.

However, Israeli officials are convinced that they have

Israeli security authorities indicate they are ready to launch a ground invasion into Gaza.

A senior official promises that the attack would "eradicate Hamas from the roots... Everything ought to disappear.

Jerusalem's Julian Borger

Thu Oct. 19 20:21:21 EDT

Security authorities in Israel have indicated that they are prepared to launch a land offensive into Gaza that will, in their estimation, be far more extensive and fierce than any previous confrontation with Hamas.

On Thursday, Yoav Gallant, Israel's defense minister, visited troops stationed along the Gaza border. He told them, "You see Gaza now from a distance, but you will see it from inside soon. The order will be given.

Gallant said to the men, "I am charged with leading us to victory. "We shall be steadfast and forceful until we achieve our goals.