Israel war live updates: Gaza border crossing set to reopen as Israeli troops prepare ground assault

This live blog has ended.

Follow the Post’s live coverage of the Israel-Hamas war here.

The Israel Defense Forces are “preparing to implement a wide range of offensive operative plans which include, among other things, an integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land,” they announced Saturday.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was overheard telling IDF servicemen “the next stage is coming” during a visit to two of the kibbutzes that were ravaged by Hamas terrorists earlier this week.

Netanyahu’s remarks come as IDF forces warned “anyone coming near the [Gaza] border will be shot,” with troops conducting “small raids” in the area, CNN reported.

The IDF is “preparing for the next steps,” Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said, according to the outlet.

The IDF has swarmed the border with troops and military equipment, but the exact contours of its plan for a siege on Gaza remain unclear. Israel had given evacuation orders to the region as it prepares for a ground invasion targeting Hamas terrorists.

Overnight, Israeli air force strikes took out two top Hamas military leaders, with the terror group later claiming that nine hostages were killed in the efforts. Israel also stated that forces had recovered the bodies of several missing citizens during a raid on Gaza.

Follow along with The Post’s coverage of Israel’s war with Hamas

• Hamas chief says a ‘truce agreement’ and hostage exchange with Israel is close
• Hamas captives spill secrets about operating from hospitals: ‘We became their human shields’
• How many aid groups knew Hamas was hiding in a hospital and lied about it?
• Israel war live updates: Follow along for The Post’s latest coverage