Lieutenant Colonel Pasternak told Sky News one of the goals of the invasion is to free hostages - adding he is 'sure that is exactly what is going to happen'.
There was a nervous energy at a dusty staging post for ground troops, waiting for an order to invade Gaza. Several soldiers, stern-faced and in full combat gear, asked not to be filmed. Others, however, appeared more relaxed, even smiling as they stood by a line of armoured personnel carriers on a sprawling stretch of flat, sandy fields in southern Israel, weapons slung over one shoulder, some with heavy-looking green rucksacks on their backs.
Read more:US spies believe hospital blast caused by Palestinian rocketFreed hostage shown shaking hands with Hamas captorBritish-based families speak out against Hamas 'monsters' This is expected to involve a significant ground assault into Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, but is also home to more than two million Palestinian civilians.
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