Sharing on social network X (formerly Twitter) on October 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered its third phase.
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| Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Source: Pool) |
“The first phase of the blockade is complete. The second phase – air strikes against the enemy – is continuing. The third phase – the IDF is expanding its ground offensive into the Gaza Strip. They are doing this with very strong and carefully considered moves, making progress in a methodical, step-by-step manner,” the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Kasem affirmed that the movement is ready to complete a prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.
On the same day, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced that the US does not support current calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Instead, the parties should consider a pause in fighting to bring aid into the Gaza Strip, Mr. Kirby said.
In another development on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented that the current spiral of crisis in the Middle East began with an airstrike targeting civilians in Israel, but instead of punishing the attackers, Israel decided to retaliate "according to the principle of collective responsibility", following the escalation in the Gaza Strip.
The Russian leader expressed sorrow over the “terrible events taking place in the Gaza Strip” that have left hundreds of thousands of innocent people dead, with “nowhere to flee” from the bombing.
In addition, Mr. Putin noted that the US is not satisfied with Russia's participation in solving global and regional problems, including the conflict in the Middle East. According to the Russian President, the US "does not need lasting peace " and prolongs "chaos" in the Middle East by opposing demands for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
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