Before the next stage of war
Israel: Instead of a ground offensive, “something else” is also possible
October 17, 2023, 1:27 p.m
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According to a military spokesman, Israel is preparing the next phase of the war. It is said that a ground offensive does not necessarily have to follow. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is also joining in the warnings about house-to-house fighting.
According to a military spokesman in the Gaza Strip, Israel is preparing for “the next stages of the war” against the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas, which rules there. “Everyone is talking about a ground offensive, but it could be something else,” said Israeli army spokesman Richard Hecht. But he didn’t give any details.
Experts warn of bloody urban warfare if Israel launches a ground offensive in the densely populated Gaza Strip. After the devastating terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th, Israel wants to eliminate the military capabilities and rule of the Islamist organization. Most politicians see no alternative to intervention on the ground.
Russia is also urging people to refrain from a ground offensive. There is a risk of the conflict expanding with “terrible consequences for the entire region” and an even greater humanitarian catastrophe, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. According to Russian state media, he made the comments in Beijing. President Vladimir Putin arrived there for a two-day visit; According to the Kremlin, he also wants to talk to China’s party and state leader Xi Jinping about the situation in the Middle East on the sidelines of the Silk Road Summit.
Putin himself spoke on the phone with several Middle East leaders on Monday, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Kremlin chief, who is waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine, called for a ceasefire to protect civilians. Peskov confirmed again that Abbas was expected to visit Moscow. An appointment is being sought. Russia advocates the creation of an independent Palestinian state and at the same time supports security guarantees for Israel. The people of Israel must live in peace, emphasized Peskov. The most important task now is to end the war in the Middle East.