By Ahmed Asmar
ANKARA (AA) - Over the last two weeks Israeli army warplanes have struck the Gaza Strip "at a rate never seen in decades,” a spokesman said on Friday.
Army spokesman Daniel Hagari added that the army is preparing for the next stages of combat, according to Haaretz daily. A ground assault is widely expected.
Over the last two weeks, Israeli warplanes have carried out hundreds of air raids on Gaza, leaving unprecedented destruction to Gaza's infrastructure and neighborhoods in their wake.
According to the latest figures by the Gaza-run Public Works Ministry, the Israeli army has completely destroyed some 10,500 housing units along with thousands of others that suffered severe to minor damage.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began 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. It 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 is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara