Israel is preparing for a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip after a recent attack by Hamas militants on Israeli towns. Palestinians living in Gaza have been ordered to flee south towards a closed border with Egypt. The Israeli military has warned Lebanon’s Hezbollah not to start a war on a second front, threatening the destruction of Lebanon if they do. In response to the attack by Hamas militants, Israel has subjected Gaza to intense bombardment, leaving thousands dead and wounded. Thousands of Palestinians have already fled the north of Gaza, and Israel has kept two roads open to let more people escape. However, Hamas is telling people not to leave, claiming that the roads are unsafe. The situation in Gaza has raised concerns of a wider conflict spreading to Lebanon’s border with Israel. Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon, has fired at Israeli outposts in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. Israel has responded with shelling and gunfire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security adviser has warned Hezbollah to stay out of the fighting, stating that the destruction of Lebanon would be the result if a war broke out. The situation is being closely monitored by the United States, which is determined to prevent Iran and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah from entering the conflict.