British-Israeli analyst Jonathan Spyer, from the Middle East Forum, appeared on Sky News Australia two days ago warning of a looming IDF ground offensive in Gaza City over Israeli hostages.

On Tuesday, Dr Spyer cautioned about the consequences of failing to release Israeli hostages.

He emphasised that the Israel Defence Force would launch “an operation of profound significance, namely its entry into Gaza City itself”.

“There’s a very little amount of time left, I think, for a deal on the hostages,” Mr Spyer told Sky News.

“I hope profoundly, as all must, that Hamas chooses to release the hostages prior to Israel’s IDF entry into Gaza City,” he said.

“If they don’t, then I’m afraid we have some pretty difficult days ahead.”

On Tuesday morning, local Gaza residents reported to the BBC

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