By Said Amori
JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli media reported Friday that Tel Aviv is under international pressure to postpone a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
"International pressure is being exerted on Israel to postpone its ground operation in the Gaza Strip until the end of negotiations to release hostages held by the Palestinian factions," according to private Israeli Channel 12, without providing further details.
On more than one occasion, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced Tel Aviv’s intention to carry out a military ground incursion into Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant hinted at the approaching date for a ground operation Thursday that the army intends to carry when he told officers that “they will soon see Gaza from the inside.”
The conflict began Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.
Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza, under heavy bombardment and blockade, is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.
*Writing by Ikram Kouachi