GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israeli tanks and infantry pushed into Gaza after nightfall Saturday, launching a ground offensive in a widening war on Gaza’s Hamas rulers that the Israeli defense minister said “would not be short” or easy.
The ground operation was preceded by several hours of heavy artillery fire after dark, igniting targets in flames that burst into the night sky. Machine gun fire rattled as bright tracer rounds flashed through the darkness and the crash of hundreds of shells sent up streaks of fire.
Artillery guns also fired illuminating rounds, sending streaks of bright light drifting down over Gaza’s densely packed neighborhoods. Gunbattles could be heard, as troops crossed the border into Gaza, marching single file. They were backed by helicopter gunships and tanks.
Israeli security officials said the operation is likely to go on, but the objective is not to reoccupy Gaza. The depth and intensity will depend on parallel diplomatic efforts, the officials said.
Israel’s campaign “won’t be easy and it won’t be short,” Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in a televised address shortly after the ground invasion began. “We do not seek war but we will not abandon our citizens to the ongoing Hamas attacks.
Maj. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli army spokeswoman, told CNN: “We have many, many targets. To my estimation, it will be a lengthy operation.”
Heavy Israeli artillery fire hit east of Gaza City in locations were Hamas fighters were deployed before the ground incursion began. The artillery shells were apparently intended to detonate Hamas explosive devices and mines planted along the border area before troops marched in.
A text message sent by Hamas’ military wing, Izzedine al-Qassam, said “the Zionists started approaching the trap which our fighters prepared for them.”
Hamas said it also broadcast a Hebrew message on Israeli military radio frequencies promising to kill and kidnap the Israeli soldiers.
“Be prepared for a unique surprise, you will be either killed or kidnapped and will suffer mental illness from the horrors we will show you,” the message said.
Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said in a televised speech that Gaza will “become a graveyard” for Israeli soldiers. He appeared on Hamas’ Al Aqsa TV shortly after the ground offensive began but it was not immediately clear whether the appearance was live or taped.
After the invasion, Hamas spokespeople and militants fired off fiery warnings to the Israeli forces. In another message, Hamas warned Israeli forces that “Gaza will not be paved with flowers for you, it will be paved with fire and hell.”
Hamas has long prepared for Israel’s invasion, digging tunnels and rigging some areas with explosives. At the start of the offensive, Israeli artillery hit some of the border areas, apparently to detonate hidden explosives.
The Israeli government said tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are being mobilized as the offensive in Gaza widens.
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