The Israeli military has postponed its planned invasion of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip for several days due to adverse weather conditions, the New York Times reported late Saturday night.

The ground offensive was supposed to begin this weekend but was postponed, in part because of cloudy skies, which would have made it difficult for Israeli pilots and drone operators to provide air cover for ground forces, the US newspaper said, citing three senior Israeli officers. , whom he does not name.

According to the New York Times the expected military operation could involve Israel in a war within cities.

Tens of thousands of Hamas fighters are believed to be hiding in bunkers and hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the same source.

Israeli military experts expect Hamas to try to block the Israeli advance by blowing up tunnels as ground forces approach, according to the newspaper report.

Hamas also plans to send its fighters behind Israeli lines using the complex tunnel system, the Times reported, adding that a strategic dilemma was created by the fact that the Islamist group’s forces could entrench themselves with hostages underground.

The Israeli attack is expected to involve infantry units, as well as tanks and units of scouts and minesweepers, the US newspaper said, citing the officials. Ground forces will be covered by fighter jets, helicopters, drones and artillery fire from land and sea.