Israel Retaliates Against Hamas; Israeli Troops Amass for Possible Ground Invasion of Gaza Strip
Violence has escalated between Israel and the Gaza Strip with a possible ground invasion imminent.
A strategic missile strike took place on Wednesday by Israel that killed the top military commander for the Islamist group Hamas. The attack marked the largest attack effort in recent years sparking new acts of violence.
A spokesperson for Hamas confirmed that Ahmed Al-Jaabari, the 52-year-old military leader of the Islamist group, was killed in the attack.
Hamas called for revenge against Israel for the attack and the occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Fawzi Barhoum, spokesperson for the Islamist group, told Aqsa TV that Israel had "declared war and will pay a heavy price for that."
The Islamist group sent retaliatory rockets into Israel that could be heard from the capital of Tel Aviv and has killed three Israelis.
Israel responded to the rockets by sending air strikes against key Hamas targets and strengthening their naval blockade against the Gaza Strip.
Troops, tanks and other armored vehicles have begun moving toward the Gaza Strip border for a possible invasion into Palestinian held territory.
According to Fox News, Defense Minister Ehud Barak authorized the Israeli army on Thursday to draft reserve forces for possible activity in Gaza. This could mean an additional 30,000 troops could possibly be drafted.
There has been no decision as of yet from Israeli leadership for group forces to enter the Gaza Strip, but it is likely that more air strikes will continue to target Hamas strongholds.
Tensions between Israel and Hamas hit a high during a conflict in 2008-2009 which claimed the lives of around 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
Both Syria and Iran have supported Hamas in its struggle against Israel who has blockaded the Gaza Strip in an effort to stop illegal arms from reaching the Islamist group.
