The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has moved all regular infantry forces and tank brigades to the Gaza Strip.

This indicates that the expected escalation of the offensive in the Gaza Strip is underway, reports the Times of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that the goal is to clear all of Gaza of Hamas terrorists. There are many signals indicating that the IDF is now moving into an endgame.

Operational IDF forces include elite units such as the Golani Brigade, Paratroopers, Givati, Commando, Kfir, Nahal and the 7th, 188th and 401st Armoured Brigades.

The Golani Brigade has the motto «The First Brigade» and was established in 1948. They have been involved in the Gaza war from the start, and here they are visited by Netanyahu just over a week after the terrorist attack on 7 October.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with soldiers from the IDF Golani Brigade 51st Battalion at an assembly point near Gaza.

«I am here with Golani soldiers from all parts of the country. They have fought like lions and will fight like lions.» pic.twitter.com/ZsdR9wpkEO

– Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 19, 2023

The IDF has previously said that five divisions are operating in Gaza, with tens of thousands of soldiers. Israeli authorities have said the offensive will continue as long as Hamas refuses to release the hostages, who have been held captive since 7 October 2023.

i24News also reports that there is a significant escalation of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, with Israeli authorities warning that operations will intensify until a hostage agreement is reached.

Norways Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) is in Madrid on Sunday to discuss the Gaza war with a number of Arab and European ministers, according to NTB. Our foreign minister will meet a colourful crowd there.

It is Spain that has invited to the meeting of the so-called Madrid Group. It consists of both Arab and European countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Ireland, Slovenia, Norway and Spain. All of them recognise Palestine as a separate state.

The aim is to put pressure on Israel to stop its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

– We all want the same thing, to end this war, prevent Gaza from becoming a mass grave and lift the Israeli aid blockade, said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in an interview with El Pais on Tuesday.

The IDF’s offensive has now been going on for a week. Air strikes are carried out daily and the Israeli Air Force issues so-called evacuation orders before each attack to minimise civilian casualties.

Espen Barth Eide is denied access to Israel, as Netanyahu’s government considers him an enemy of Israel. It is doubtful that our foreign minister will be welcomed to Israel any time soon.

Ireland, Spain, France, the UK and Norway now appear to be among Israel’s worst enemies in Europe.