READY FOR ISRAEL’S POSSIBLE GROUND ATTACK IN GAZA STRIP, HAMAS SAYS

Sat 15 May 2021:

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum told Sputnik on Saturday that the Palestinian movement was ready for any scenario in response to the possible ground operation by Israel.

“Regarding the ground invasion [of the Gaza Strip]. The occupiers are doing too many foolish things that can push them to make any stupid decision at any time. We are ready for any scenario,” Barhum said.

Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip continued for a fifth consecutive day, with Israeli air raids hitting a refugee camp where at least 10 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed.

In the early hours of Saturday, rescue workers were still trying to pull bodies from under the rubble as more people are believed to be dead. Hamas, the group that controls the besieged enclave, responded to the latest attack by firing a barrage of rockets towards the southern Israeli towns of Askhelon and Ashdod. No casualties were reported.

At least 139 Palestinians, including some 40 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Monday. Some 950 others have been wounded. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have killed at least 13 Palestinians protesting against continued Israeli occupation and the ongoing bombardment of Gaza. Confrontations between Israeli police and Palestinian demonstrators continued into the night in occupied East Jerusalem.