Israeli invasion of Gaza may be delayed 'a few more days'
Israel's invasion of Hamas may be delayed "a few more days" into next week, an Israeli Defense Force spokesman suggested on Monday.
The spokesman, Lt. Peter Lerner, says he "did hear word" that the invasion is delayed. The IDF has amassed a force of some 300,000 near Northern Gaza in anticipation of a ground operation. As of Monday morning, nearly 200 hostages remained in Hamas custody somewhere in Gaza.
"I did hear word that it is delayed, the major entrance is delayed--to dismantle Hamas--is delayed, for a few more days," Lerner told Fox News. "I believe it's Shabbat, now, coming up Saturday, that we actually will have the major [offensive]. Of course, you know there are missions going in that we don't talk about, but the big one is supposed to be in a few days, not tonight."
Israel has rained down thousands of air strikes on Hamas targets throughout Gaza, and it has urged civilians to flee toward the south.
While President Biden has said and Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a "mistake," the U.S. declared its full support for Israel to defend itself and retaliate against Hamas.
Posted by Anders Hagstrom