"Israel" fears surprise in Gaza

A senior "Israeli" official has expressed concern over being caught off guard by Hamas in the event of a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Citing an unnamed military official, the ‘Israeli' daily Yediot Aharonot reported Wednesday that the military is expecting "surprises" similar to what came during a 33-day war against Hizbullah in Lebanon.

'Israel' fought a 33-day war against Hizbullah in summer 2006, but faced a heavy defeat after it failed to achieve its goals to destroy the military power of the Lebanese movement.

"During the confrontation, Hamas will attempt to operate in an orderly manner and utilize many types of arms, such as explosive devices, snipers, and cells that will attempt to hit our forces," the official told Ynet.

The Islamic movement had formerly warned Tel Aviv against a ground offensive amid mounting rocket attacks on ‘Israel'.

"Hamas has indeed prepared for this, but so did we," said the official adding that "Anyone who thinks we'll be conducting ourselves gently is wrong."

The military has launched aerial attacks on the region on Saturday, killing at least 397. The attacks have so far left more than 1,920 people wounded. Women and children have also been among the victims, the UN said.

The military has deployed thousands of troops along the border for a possible ground operation rebuffing the international calls for a truce.