HAMAS claims it has today released a mother and daughter who were being held hostage as fears grow around a full-scale invasion.
Tens of thousands of Israeli troops are said to be waiting on the Gaza Strip border after their defense boss vowed they would soon see “inside”.
ReutersTanks have been gathered near Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip[/caption]
Israeli troops at the border ahead of a ground invasionEPA
GettyIsraeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has told troops they will soon ‘see Gaza from the inside’[/caption]
Today marked 14 days since Hamas gunmen caught Israel off guard as they stormed out of the Gaza Strip.
The horror massacre, and Israel‘s defence, has cost thousands their lives and seen thousands more injured.
It’s also feared hostages could be held in Hamas’ mysterious 311-mile maze of tunnels riddled with deadly traps.
And this afternoon a Hamas spokesman said two US hostages had been freed for “humanitarian reasons”.
The terrorist organisation’s armed wing’s spokesman Abu Ubaida said: “In response to Qatari efforts, we released two American detainees – a mother and her daughter – for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the allegations of Biden and his fascist administration are false allegations that have no basis in truth.”
It came as a Palestinian humanitarian organisation said it had been warned by Israeli forces to evacuate Al Quds hospital in Gaza “immediately”.
Israeli tanks amassed near the border early this morning, amid fears of a looming full-scale ground invasion.
Increased military activity has been reported in the area with footage showing tanks on the move near Gaza.
CNN’s Nic Robertson reported hearing heavy machine gun fire and distant explosions along the border.
Israel’s defence chief Yoav Gallant yesterday told troops they will soon see Gaza “from the inside.”
The minister wished the men luck as he said “there is no forgiveness” for the Hamas’ horror attack.
Gallant’s words came as Economy Minister Nir Barakat told ABC News the Israeli military has been given the “green light” to move into Gaza whenever it’s ready.
It comes as:
Brits were told by the Foreign Office to immediately get out of Lebanon as protests broke out over the war in IsraelIsraeli soldiers patrolling kibbutz villages still find Hamas terrorists hiding out near massacre sitesAutistic Harry Potter fan Noya Dan, was burned by Hamas savages in massacre after texting ‘Mummy, I’m scared’A nine-year-old footie fan will spend his birthday in the grips of Hamas terrorists after being kidnapped with his mumLocals told how Hamas butchers turned their village into a ghost town after they burned families out of homes and slaughtered themA dad has been confirmed as the ninth Brit murdered by Hamas terroristsPM Rishi Sunak vowed to “stand” with Israel as it faces its “darkest hour” during two-day visit
IDF spokesman Lt. Colonel Jonathan Conricus told CNN: “The reserves are ready, equipped, mission-oriented, and standing by for the next stage of our operations.
“But at this time, of course, we will not advertise when, where, and how we will advance or do or enhance our military activities.”
Israeli authorities say at least 1,400 people have died in Israel, while another 3,785 people have died in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
At least nine Brits have so far been confirmed dead following Hamas’ brutal attacks.
The latest confirmation was Manchester United fan Yonatan Rapoport – who was killed in an attack on the kibbutz Be’eri.
A further eight Brits remain missing, according to the UK government.
Avalon.redIsraeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with combat soldiers at the Gaza border[/caption]
AFPSmoke can be seen billowing in the sky over the southern Israeli city of Sderot[/caption]
ReutersIsraeli tanks near the border early Friday morning[/caption]
ReutersTens of thousands of Israeli troops are said to be waiting on the border[/caption]