JERUSALEM

Israel has decided to "delay the ground war" in Gaza, pending the arrival of additional American forces to the region, the Israeli army radio reported on Monday.

“The United States has conveyed to Israel its intention to deploy additional American forces to the Middle East, in readiness for a ground operation due to concerns over the escalating Iranian attacks against its forces in the region,” according to the report.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a press statement on Sunday, stated that the United States "anticipates an escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas due to the involvement of Iranian proxies."

The radio went on to explain: “Israeli officials emphasize that this isn't the sole reason for the delay in the operation; there are other factors at play, such as enhancing the operational readiness of the forces, as well as seeking a solution to the issue of the captives and the potential for additional prisoner release agreements.”

While Israel has been hinting at the possibility of a ground operation in Gaza for several days, the Israeli military is continuing relentless aerial attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army continues to target Gaza with intensive airstrikes that have destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women, and injuring 14,245, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

An unknown number of people are also trapped under the rubble.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala