Israeli defence minister promises move into Gaza coming, as airstrikes continue
CBC
The latest:
Israeli airstrikes pounded locations across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, heightening fears among more than two million Palestinians trapped in the territory that nowhere was safe.
Homes were hit in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Thursday, where hundreds of thousands are seeking shelter. Medical staff at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said they received at least 12 dead and 80 wounded.
Sirens wailed as emergency crews rushed to rescue survivors from one building, where many were believed trapped. Nearby buildings had balconies and facades blown off.
In addition to the bombardments, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told ground troops on Thursday to be ready to enter the Gaza Strip, though he didn't say when the invasion will start.
In a meeting with Israeli infantry soldiers on the border, Gallant urged the forces to "get organized, be ready" for an order to move in.
"Whoever sees Gaza from afar now, will see it from the inside," he said. "The command will come."
Gallant said the battle would be long and hard.
Troops were not expected to enter while foreign leaders were visiting. U.S. President Joe Biden returned home from Israel on Wednesday, while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited on Thursday
