The Israeli army is awaiting a political decision on the timing of a massive ground operation on Gaza, military officials said on Sunday, as civilians made frantic attempts to evacuate northern Gaza.
On Sunday, Israel warned 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza to flee to the south of the Strip, and thousands were still utilizing Israel-designated safe pathways to seek refuge.
The United Nations and its allies have pressed Israel to delay any attack until civilians have had every opportunity to flee. The military has not specified a date for when the safe passage windows will close.
Separate briefings on Sunday from military spokesmen Lieutenant Richard Hecht and Daniel Hagari stated that any action against Hamas will be triggered by a political decision following the October 7 assaults that killed at least 1,300 Israelis.
“We will be holding discussions with our political leadership”, Hecht said during a press conference.
Israel has gathered tens of thousands of troops surrounding Gaza, and officials claim that all military supplies have been delivered. Since the October 7 strikes, tens of thousands of air raids have been carried out in Gaza, killing over 2,300 people.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reminded troops near the Gaza border that more is coming. He did not, however, specify when such ground operations would begin. Netanyahu has met with senior ministers and military leaders on a regular basis to discuss security.
According to his department, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the evacuation of Gaza people as well as humanitarian issues with US senators today.
Gallant emphasized Israel’s military strength and determination to destroy the enemy.
Military officials have informed reporters that any incursion would attempt to destroy Hamas’ network and leadership in order to prevent future attacks.
The Israeli military has singled out Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, whom it blames for the October 7 strikes.
“That man is in our sights”, said Hecht on Saturday. “He is a dead man walking and we will get to that man”, Hecht added.
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