Israel continues to carry out only “limited movements” and not large-scale ground maneuvers in Gaza, a former IDF commander in charge of Palestinian affairs said.

They are still preparing the ground and studying Hamas’ response to the clashes in northern and central Gaza, Dr Michael Milstein told Sky News.

He predicted that Israel would focus on freeing as many hostages as possible in the coming days before “a bigger step”.

There is “internal and external” pressure on the Israeli government to possibly exchange civilian prisoners from Gaza for “a number of terrorists held in Israel”, he told Sky News.

While there may be a delay, “broader military action” will take place immediately after any deal on the hostages is agreed, he said.

On Friday evening, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the army would “expand” ground operations in Gaza, while airstrikes would be further intensified.

Hamas reported clashes in two border towns, while the IDF said it used fighter jets to strike 150 targets that are part of the militants’ underground network of tunnels.

But at this point there are few details about the nature of Israel’s “enhanced” ground operations.

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