The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi on Tuesday issued a message for its soldiers ahead of Israel’s announcing that the preparations being done to launch a ground offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the Hamas attack on its territory.

In a message note shared on X, the IDF called the Hamas terror attack on Israel a “murderous surprise attack” against Israel and said that they are striking the “enemy” from air, ground and sea.

Addressing the IDF soldiers and commanders, it said on X, “On Saturday morning, October 7 2023, Hamas terror organization commenced a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel. They seek to destabilize Israel’s sovereignty by carrying out cruel and criminal actions. During this fateful hour, we are keeping our oath to protect our homeland and Israel’s freedom and are fighting back. This is the eleventh consecutive day that the IDF is striking the enemy from the air, ground and sea.”