Israeli army chief hints at expanding ground operations to southern Gaza

By Abdelraouf Arna'out

JERUSALEM (AA) – After the Israeli military intensified its attacks in northern Gaza that resulted in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and UN schools where people had sought shelter, killing thousands of people, the Israeli army chief hinted on Friday that the ongoing ground operation could be expanded to the southern areas of the Gaza Strip.

"We are close to dismantling the military system (of Palestinian group Hamas) in the northern Gaza Strip," Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said while addressing Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

He added that his army will keep the operation in Gaza going because "as far as we are concerned, more and more regions (will be targeted)."

So far, the Israeli military ground operation has focused on Gaza city and northern Gaza.

However, several Israeli officials have also hinted at the possibility of expanding the Israeli ground operation to the south of Gaza.

At least 11,500 Palestinians have since been killed, including more than 7,800 women and children, and more than 29,200 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar