In a significant development, Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it successfully targeted and killed two high-ranking Hamas commanders responsible for last week’s cross-border deadly rampage. The identified individuals were Merad Abu Merad, the head of the Hamas aerial system, and Ali Qadi, a company commander of a commando force.

The Israeli military is now hinting at the possibility of a long-anticipated land incursion into Gaza. In an official statement, they revealed plans for a comprehensive offensive, stating, “Various battalions and army forces are deployed throughout Israel in preparation for raising the level of readiness and for the next stages of the war, especially the large ground operation.”

The situation has prompted international responses, with Iran demanding an immediate cessation of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Beirut, warned that the conflict could expand to other parts of the Middle East if Hezbollah becomes involved. He revealed discussions with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stating, “Any step the resistance [Hezbollah] will take will cause a huge earthquake in the Zionist entity.”

Despite these warnings, Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, cautioned Hezbollah against entering the conflict, emphasising the potential dire consequences for Lebanon. Hanegbi stated, “We hope Hezbollah won’t, de facto, bring about the destruction of Lebanon, because if there is a war there the result will be no less.” He also highlighted Israel’s focus on the Gaza war, attempting to avoid being drawn into a two-front conflict.