As tension between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas continues to rise, the Israeli military has released a statement declaring that it has bolstered its presence along the border with the Gaza Strip. The statement went on to say that additional units have been deployed and that the military stands “fully prepared to respond to any aggression coming from the Strip.”
The move comes days after Hamas launched a rocket barrage at the city of Ashkelon in southern Israel, causing significant damage to buildings and sparking panic among residents. The Israeli military responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza and the two sides have been exchanging fire since.
The move also comes as the UN envoy on the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, is due to arrive in the region on Monday in an effort to de-escalate the tension. Hamas has declared that it is ready for talks on a ceasefire but has warned that if Israel does not accept its conditions, it will “face further consequences.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the country will continue to respond to any provocations with “great force,” but has yet to comment on the Hamas ceasefire ultimatum.
