NEW DELHI: A ground war is likely to begin at any moment as Israel announced that it is not ready for a ceasefire and will eliminate Hamas at any cost. Israel also stated that it is not interested in occupying Gaza. However, it will proceed with measures to eliminate Hamas. Israel clarified its stance after US President Joe Biden said that Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a 'big mistake.'

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office rejected the news that a five-hour ceasefire was agreed to allow people to evacuate through southern Gaza before the ground war. Hamas also responded that the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza was closed and that there was no ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iran stated yesterday that Hamas will release the hostages if Israel stops the airstrikes. Israel confirmed that there were 199 hostages. Earlier, the army had said that 152 people were held hostage by Hamas.

Expecting an attack by Hezbollah if the ground war starts, Israel has taken steps to evacuate people within two kilometres of the Lebanese border. 28 villages are being evacuated. Hezbollah, which has a large amount of Iranian weapons, has the ability to strike more powerfully than Hamas.

Netanyahu met the family members of some of the hostages and promised to do his best to bring them back alive. On Monday, Israel released a video of Hamas terrorists killing female security personnel on October 7. The video shows the Hamas terrorists shooting down the security personnel after throwing a grenade.

Thousands on brink of death

• As Israel has withdrawn the ceasefire, thousands of Palestinian refugees, who are waiting to escape to Egypt via the Rafah border crossing, are on the brink of death.
• A large number of vehicles carrying relief materials are waiting across the border. There is a long line of lorries that arrived at the Rafah border with essential goods
• Following the total blockade, Gaza could run out of food and water at any moment. Hospitals are also running out of fuel to run generators
• There is a risk of contagious diseases as people have been using contaminated water. Israel has not provided clean water for the last 10 days. There are more than 5,500 pregnant women among the refugees.

2,750- Palestinians killed in Israeli attack

1470- Israelis killed by Hamas