Israel has launched the start of a new war on Gaza “that will continue and grow,” pounding the blockaded area with an aerial assault including multiple airstrikes on Wednesday.

Israel has named their new war: “Operation Pillar of Cloud” – a Biblical reference to the Divine cloud that protected the Jewish people.

The IDF, (Israel Defense Forces), tweeted Wednesday: “All options are on the table. If necessary, the IDF is ready to initiate a ground operation in Gaza.” And Israel’s Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai also hinted at a ground operation being a possibility, telling Channel 2 TV, “There are preparations, and if we are required to, the option of a entry by ground is available.” In more evidence of a ground war in sight, Haaretz reports that the IDF has issued draft orders for Israeli Homefront Command reserve soldiers.

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