Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the troops on Thursday near the Gaza border, vowing that Israel will crush Hamas.
"We will emerge victorious with all our might," Netanyahu says to the group of soldiers. "Everyone in Israel is rooting for you, and we are going to deal our enemy a forceful blow to get to victory."
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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops gathered at the Gaza border on Thursday that they will soon see the Palestinian enclave "from inside", suggesting an expected ground invasion with the aim of annihilating Hamas could be nearing.
Israel pounded Gaza with more air strikes following the Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas gunmen who killed 1,300 Israelis, as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak followed US President Joe Biden with a visit to demonstrate Western support for the war against Hamas terrorists.
Meanwhile, Egypt took steps to let in aid with first humanitarian aid deliveries not expected before Friday, amid deteriorating conditions.
"You see Gaza now from a distance, you will soon see it from inside. The command will come," Gallant told soldiers. Troops were not expected to enter while foreign leaders were visiting.
Gallant also said the battle will be long and hard. Shortly after Gallant's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video of himself with troops near the border promising victory.
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