JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel is preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, although he did not disclose any specific details regarding the timing or execution of the operation. Netanyahu's statement comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region following recent attacks by Hamas militants.

"We have already eliminated thousands of terrorists, and this is just the beginning," Netanyahu declared in a televised statement.

The decision for a ground invasion follows a series of security failures that have further escalated the situation between Israel and Hamas. While Netanyahu did not explicitly take responsibility for these failures, he vowed that all parties involved would be held accountable.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the United States and Israel have agreed to postpone the ground invasion temporarily. This delay comes in order for the United States to provide urgent missile defenses to the region. The report also claimed that Washington is keeping Qatar, a broker with the Palestinian militants, informed about the ongoing talks, as efforts are being made to secure the release of hostages and prepare for a potential wider regional conflict.

The announcement of a potential ground invasion has raised concerns about further escalation of violence and civilian casualties in the already volatile region. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution.

As the tension continues to mount, it remains to be seen how the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas will unfold and the impacts it will have on the broader Middle East region. The timing and execution of the ground invasion, as well as its potential consequences, will continue to be closely monitored by global stakeholders.