Israel readies ground operation, targets Hamas headsAFP, JERUSALEMThe Israeli army yesterday said it was preparing for a ground assault on Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, but that the country’s political leaders had not yet taken a decision. It said the military’s campaign against Hamas was also aimed at “taking out” the group’s senior leadership, including top government officials. “We are waiting to see what our political leadership decides about a potential ground” incursion, army spokesman Richard Hecht told reporters. Photo: AFP“This has not been decided yet ... but we are preparing for a ground maneuver if it is decided,” he added. Israel’s air campaign has also so far killed at least 1,354 people in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-affiliated health ministry said.
