Israel is moving to 'a full offensive’ against Gaza: Defense minister

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel’s defense minister announced Tuesday that Israeli forces have taken control of the border area of the Gaza Strip.

"I have lifted all restrictions,” said Yoav Gallant, adding “we have taken the region under control. Now we are launching a full attack."

Gallant said the Palestinian Hamas group "will regret its offensive" and Gaza "will never be the same."

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets and infiltrating Israel by land, sea and air. It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and growing settler violence against Palestinians.

In retaliation, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

More than 1,900 people have been killed so far in the violence, including at least 900 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis, according to authorities.

Israel has also cut water and electricity supplies to Gaza, worsening the blockaded enclave’s already dire humanitarian situation.

Home to nearly 2.2 million people, the Gaza Strip has already been reeling under a crippling Israeli siege since 2007.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi