Ma'an -- The Israeli army is prepared to launch a ground invasion that is expected to last several weeks, announced Deputy to the Israeli Defense Minister Matan Vilnai Tuesday. The Israeli army has launched hundreds of airstrikes at the Gaza Strip damaging, according to one Hamas spokesperson, at least 95% of the government infrastructure, killing close to 400 and injuring some 2,000 individuals.
Vilani said to the media that the Israeli army is prepared to deliver a painful blow and will prevent Palestinian resistance fighters from launching a single additional projectile into Israeli towns. He did not rule out, however, that more projectiles would land before the strike is successful.
In preparation for the invasion Israel has declared all areas in a 30 kilometer radius around the strip a "special situation" area. This essentially allows the Israeli military to dictate the civil situation in the areas, including the opening of schools, government offices and services.
Three Israelis have died since the Saturday attacks began; one of the casualties was a soldier at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border. The other two casualties were civilians. The number of injured Israelis is close to 90.