The IDF has cut cellular and internet communications in Gaza as they prepare for a ground invasion, Barak Ravid from Axios reports. Israel stated Friday night that its “ground forces are expanding” operations in Gaza after possible negotiations for hostage releases reached a stalemate.
On his show Human Events on Friday, Jack Posobiec noted that Ravid is “very close with the Israeli government” and has “a lot of sources in the IDF.” Posobiec reported hearing that the talks for hostage releases “totally broke down.”
Hamas is currently holding more than 220 people hostage, according to Israeli officials, some being American and nationalities other than Israeli.
Israeli officials have stated that the goal of the ground offensive is to “destroy” Hamas and “dismantle” the terrorist group’s infrastructure.
Earlier, Israel ordered civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate South. While over 700,000 heeded the order, many stayed, claiming they wouldn’t know where to go. There have been reports, however, that Hamas has been ordering Palestinian civilians to stay put and defy evacuation warnings.
Earlier in the week, there were reports that an Israeli military official disclosed a deal was in the works for the release of around 50 dual citizen hostages in Hamas' control, focusing on women and children. Qatar and the United States were said to have been heavily mediating the negotiations. Two Israeli hostages, both 85 years old, were subsequently released.
