Several sources in Gaza claimed that Israeli aircraft have been conducting dummy runs over the coastal enclave, and IDF forces can be seen deployed in force along the border.
On Thursday, senior Hamas figure Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar asserted that it was his organization's prerogative to arm itself, in order to protect the Palestinian people.
"They will pay a high price for entering Gaza," al-Zahar said in reference to a possible Israeli strike, "Israelis should think twice before making that decision."
Al-Zahar's comments most likely came as a response to repeated Israeli warnings conveyed through international channels and media outlets.
Sources in Palestinian organizations in the Strip confirmed that they were preparing for an Israeli strike and that "armament continues as part of an effort to ward off an expected Israeli attack."