The Israeli Defense Force is preparing for a ground operation in Gaza, as Operation Pillar of Defense continues for a fourth day. Some 75,000 army reservists have been called up to prepare the offensive.
“The Israeli Defense Forces have sealed off roads around Gaza, declaring the area a closed military zone. This is just another suggestion that a ground offensive may be imminent,” RT correspondent Paula Slier, who is in Tel Aviv, told RT. Israel bombed 85 sites in Gaza overnight, including Hamas’ headquarters. Witnesses at the scene reported massive damage from the strikes. There were two series of strikes overnight: one at around 3am local time (01:00 GMT), and another at 5am (03:00 GMT). Activists reported that bodies were under the rubble of a house hit by the strike in Jabalia, situated in Gaza’s north. During the second string of strikes the Hamas leadership’s buildings were hit, but they are said to have been empty.
The violence is showing no signs of ending anytime soon.
“There continues to be heavy shelling from tanks along the border into Gaza,” Slier said. At least 39 Palestinians have already been killed in the
assault that has been going on for four days, Ma'an news agency reported. Seven of the casualties were children. Three Israeli citizens also died in the violence.
A Palestinian Hamas security member inspects the destroyed office building of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya in Gaza City on November 17, 2012 (AFP Photo / Mahmud Hams) Read on:
Heavy shelling along Gaza border as Israel prepares for ground operation
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