Abu Obeida says 'we are waiting', in response to Israeli ground invasion

Al-Qassam Brigades released a video statement from its spokesperson, Abu Obeida, in which he responded to Israel's expanded ground operations, hit out at Arab countries for a lack of humanitarian assistance, and blamed Israel for the failure to achieve an agreement over a prisoner swap.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel's military had begun its second phase of the war, and would expand ground operations into Gaza.

In response to this, Abu Obeida said: "We are still waiting for him.

"We will make him taste, by the strength of God, a defeat greater than what he expects or fears."

He also hit out at the Arab world for not providing enough humanitarian assistance for the civilians of Gaza.

"To the leaders of our Arab nations... We do not ask you to mobilise your armies and tanks, God forbid, to defend the children of Arabism and Islam in Gaza," Abu Obeida said.

"But have you reached the point where you cannot send relief and humanitarian aid?"

Several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Tunisia, have sent aid to Egypt in order for it to cross into Gaza. However, aid entering the Rafah border crossing has been limited.

In his third point, Abu Obeida said that there were "numerous contacts regarding the prisoner issue" and a chance to strike a deal. However, he blamed Israel for its failure, saying Israel was not willing to agree to terms.