In a tense escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they are prepared for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner stated during an interview with Fox News that "everything labeled Hamas is a target" as they take the fight directly to the terrorist organization. Lerner emphasized that Israel is determined to prevent future attacks from Hamas and is conducting extensive strikes against their command and control positions, infrastructure, and launching sites.

Highlighting the unity and strength of Israel's defense against Hamas, Lerner expressed gratitude for the support received from the international community, including the United States. He stressed the importance of holding Hamas accountable for its actions and demanded the immediate release of captives and hostages. Lerner made it clear that Hamas would face the consequences of their actions, regardless of the circumstances.

Meanwhile, Gaza's only power plant faced a dire fuel shortage after Israel cut off supplies. As a result, the plant was forced to shut down, leaving the territory reliant on generators that also rely on scarce fuel. This development exacerbates the already dire situation in Gaza, where the Palestinian Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of over 1,000 people.

Notably, Israeli airstrikes targeted the family home of Hamas' military commander, Mohammed Deif, in Khan Younis. The strike resulted in the deaths of Deif's father, brother, and two other relatives, according to a senior Hamas official. The IDF has been unrelenting in its retaliatory strikes against Gaza, targeting key Hamas operational, political, and military centers, such as the Islamic University.

As tensions escalate, Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, addressed soldiers near the border with Gaza, announcing that he had removed all restrictions and declaring, "we will eliminate anyone who fights us." Gallant emphasized that the Israeli government would not tolerate the murder of Israeli children and would use every measure at its disposal to protect its citizens.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. The U.N.'s World Health Organization reported that supplies pre-positioned for seven hospitals have already been exhausted due to the influx of wounded. Doctors Without Borders, which operates two hospitals in Gaza, expressed concerns about the depletion of surgical equipment, antibiotics, fuel, and other essential supplies.

The exact number of Israeli forces amassing near the Gaza border remains unclear. The IDF did not respond immediately to requests for comment. However, Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists, indicating a growing likelihood of a ground offensive into Gaza.

As the conflict intensifies, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its humanitarian impact. The situation calls for urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a sustainable resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.