Turin, 6 August (LaPresse) – Israeli military officials believe that if Israel goes ahead with plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, it will result in heavy losses among Israeli troops. This was reported by the public broadcaster Kan, according to which defence officials estimate that “dozens” of soldiers could be killed and a large number wounded during the operation. The officials also warned of the risk that the conquest of the entire Gaza Strip would pose to the hostages still being held, as the IDF has so far refrained from operating in areas where they are believed to be located. According to Kan, the officials believe that the hostages could be killed intentionally by their captors if the army approaches, or accidentally by Israeli troops themselves.