Jerusalem, Sept. 16 -- The Israeli military on Tuesday launched its highly controversial and long-expected ground offensive to take full control of the Gaza Strip in its fighting against Hamas, specifically annexing its central urban hub, Gaza City, reports Times of Israel.
Defence Minister Israel Katz, at the onset of the operation presented an ultimatum to the terror group, asking it to either release all hostages, and disarm and surrender unconditionally, or otherwise the IDF will destroy the whole Strip.
"We want to take control of Gaza City because today it is Hamas's main governing symbol. Today, if Gaza falls. they will fall," he said.
"Gaza (City) is burning. The IDF is striking the terror infrastructure with an iron fist," Katz ...