Israeli troops clash with Hamas terrorists exiting tunnels under Gaza

Israeli troops engaged with Hamas militants for the first time since the Jewish state's ground offensive went into effect on Saturday. Hamas launched an ambush from its complex network of tunnels under northern Gaza.

The Telegraph reported that the Israel Defense Forces managed to kill a number of terrorists who were spotted leaving a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, which is near the Erez Crossing that was part of the October 7 attacks.

Israeli forces claimed that the militants were trying to get across the border into Israel to launch a second surprise attack. Hamas stated that its militants clashed with Israeli troops who entered through northwest Gaza with small arms and anti-tank missiles.

The ground offensive comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country had entered the "second stage" of the war — a conflict that would be long and difficult. He went on to say that the war will determine Israel's survival and that the Israelis would "be the victors."

Israel has stopped short of fully invading Gaza, instead choosing a strategy of gradual expansion. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, said that "we will do everything we can from the air, sea, and land to ensure the safety of our forces and achieve the goals of the war.”

However, it is uncertain how Israel will manage to balance its war efforts with the potential of civilian casualties. The Telegraph also noted that analysts have raised concerns about Israel's ground offensive, given that it could mean Arab proxies linked with Hamas will soon get involved.

The question of hostages currently being held in Gaza has also raised concerns, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaking with the families of hostages on Sunday.

He tried to reassure them that it was necessary to push into Gaza, saying, "The ground move is intertwined with the effort to return the kidnapped and is intended, among other things, to increase the chance of returning our people. If there is no military pressure on Hamas, nothing will progress.”

“I have two goals: to return the abductees and win the war. The return of the abductees and locating the missing is a task of utmost importance.”

The Times of Israel reported that Gallant's discussion with the families raises questions about why he did not accept Hamas' offer to free all captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails. Some Israeli families have reportedly urged their leadership to take the deal.

At the time of this report, there are almost 240 hostages reportedly being held by Hamas. The Times also suggested that there could be other terrorist groups involved in Hamas' operations in Gaza, but none of the groups were named.

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