By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Israeli authorities have announced readiness to commence a ground offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas militants after its military had positioned troops at the border this week.
This comes after Israel gave over 1.1 million Palestinians 24 hours to flee ahead of the planned offensive.
The order has since attracted condemnation from several humanitarian agencies who argue that it would be logistically difficult to move so many people within the timeframe of 24 hours.
The Israel Defense Forces ( IDF) said it was “preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans” which will include “an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land” against Hamas in Gaza.
The IDF added that it had already completed its mobilization of hundreds of thousands of servicemen for the counteroffensive, according to a statement translated by NBC News.
The Gaza Strip is currently facing a humanitarian crisis after Israel cut off supplies of food, fuel water and electricity.
Gaza, a densely populated area, has come under attack in retaliation for the brutal attack on Israel last weekend by Hamas militants.
The death toll from both sides continues to increase, with at least 1,300 killed in Israel and 2,300 in Gaza.
