Israel said Thursday it is finishing preparations to deploy troops into the Gaza Strip to fight Hamas terrorists, whose Oct. 7 of Israel resulted in the death of a reported 1,400 people including over 30 U.S. citizens.
"The maneuver is going to move the fighting to their territory. It's going to be long and intense, the good commanders and fighters are here," Southern Command leader Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman said, as translated.
Hamas has also kidnapped a reported 200-plus people who remain in Gaza, including a reported 30 children, with as many as 200 people still missing.
"All my soul and mind are in this effort, along with hundreds of people. We will not stop for a moment, until we find any way to return our loved ones," said Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, who is in charge of the efforts to locate the hostages.
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