Cobra meeting on the escalating crisis in the middle east. This after the Prime Minister called for a pause in the war between israel and hamas for humanitarian reasons. But he rejected pleas for a complete ceasefire. The Cabinet Meeting chaired by the deputy pm, also addressed the governments strategy to help free british hostages who are among more than 220 being held. Well, meanwhile, 220 being held. Well, meanwhile, israel launched its biggest incursion into gaza overnight with tanks temporarily entering the strip, paving the way for the strip, paving the way for the next stages of combat. Israel Defence Forces say fighter jets also hit over 250 hamas targets , including hamas targets, including infrastructure and tunnels shafts. A fresh wave of rockets were also fired from the territory towards southern israel this morning. And earlier on this afternoon. Well, in the on this afternoon. Well, in the us, a manhunt is undennay after up to 22 people were killed by a gunman. And police
prepare the battlefield for future operations. But the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had yet to be determined. Lets take a listen to what the Israeli Defence forces spokesman had to say. The tactical raid, which means that the forces went in and then went out during the night in order to prepare the battlefield and to prepare ourselves for coming operations. Our forces are now back in israel. The activity occurred during the night and was concluded successfully without any significant event. This Development Comes as israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted a Ground Invasion of gaza was coming following questions at home about why it had taken so long. He said the timing had yet to be determined. He is under pressure and abroad over the timing of a widely anticipated Ground Attack. He said it would take place eventually but the timing would be taken by consensus. Lets take a look now at all the latest developments with this report from our middle east correspondent tom b
Into gaza to attack marketing positions overnight. It released this Video Showing Tanks and armoured bulldozers crossing the perimeter fence. An Israeli Defense forces spokesman told the bbc soldiers carried out the tactical raid towards central gaza to in his words prepare the battlefield for future operations. The Israeli Military says the number of people confirmed to be held hostage in gaza has now risen to 224, and warns that number could rise. So far four hostages are known to have been released. By by hamas which is a prescribed Terrorist Organisation by the uk. Meanwhile, un aid workers say theyve begun to significantly scale down their operations in gaza as Fuel Reserves have almost run out. Israel says hamas is storing enough fuel to run hospitals and water pumps for many days, but is keeping it for its war fighting capabilities. The hill Fog Ministry In Gaza says the number of palestinians killed there has passed a 7000, almost 3000 of them are said to be children. The hama
Take a listen. The tactical raid, which means that the forces went in and then went out during the night in order to prepare the battlefield and to prepare ourselves for coming operations. Our forces are now back in israel. The activity occurred during the night and was concluded successfully without any significant event. This Development Comes as israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted a Ground Invasion of gaza was coming following questions at home about why it had taken so long. Speaking on prime Time Television on wednesday night, he said the timing of the offensive would be reached by consensus. Heres our correspondent, tom bateman. Israels Prime Minister said in a televised speech that Israeli Forces are preparing for a Ground Invasion but did not give any clues as to the timing. Translation we are raining hellfire on hamas. We have already Killed Thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning. Simultaneously we are preparing for a Ground Invasion. I will not
Home about why its taking so long. Speaking on prime Time Television on wednesday night, he said the timing of the offensive would be reached by consensus. Joining me now from tel aviv is idf Spokesperson Lieutenant colonel peter lerner. Welcome to bbc news. Can you tell us more about this what has been described as a significant incursion into gaza. The images that have been released, it does seem this is the most significant, limited raid since the start of this crisis . The start of this crisis . Indeed, over night the start of this crisis . Indeed, over night we the start of this crisis . Indeed, over night we conducted, the start of this crisis . Indeed, over night we conducted, what| the start of this crisis . Indeed, i over night we conducted, what is the start of this crisis . Indeed, over night we conducted, what is day 20 since the brutal massacre of israelis, the abduction of 222 and the murder of a massacre of over 1400 the murder of a massacre of over moo israelis in their