A week after Hamas’ deadly attacks, Israel prepares its ground offensive. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, a former Israel Defense Forces’ deputy commander, on the IDF’s offensive in Gaza, rescuing hostages and the role of Iran in the conflict.Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, Israel Defense and Security Forum Chairman, Jerusalem: The Middle East on the brink, Israeli mourning, and anger with a vow of never again.
Earlier today, I spoke with IDF spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Peter Lerner. He revealed that the Israeli Special Forces have been conducting raids across the border that are still going on and that they believe 126 have been taken hostage. Those secret special operations raids are continuing.: There are special raids that are ongoing in close proximity of the perimeter. Indeed, they are targeted in trying to locate bodies, perhaps of victims.
: Up next, trapped with no way out as Israeli forces are preparing to close in, the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.: According to the United Nations, an estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Gaza this week, as basic necessities like food, fuel and drinking water run out after Israel’s complete siege of the area.