Israel Launches Ground Operations in Gaza, Aid Increases for Civilians
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces have initiated ground operations against the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to this as the second phase of the three-week-old war aimed at crushing Hamas. As a result, phone and internet communications in Gaza, which were largely severed during the airstrikes and incursion, are slowly being restored.
The disruption of communications had a significant impact on rescue operations, as individuals affected by the airstrikes were unable to call for help. Meanwhile, thousands of desperate Gaza residents looted warehouses and distribution centers of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), seizing flour and other essential items.
However, Israel has announced an increase in aid to Gaza in the coming days. Israeli Defense Ministry agency Cogat stated that Palestinian civilians should head to a designated “humanitarian zone” in the southern part of the territory.
Although ground operations have begun, Netanyahu cautioned that the Israeli campaign would be “long and hard,” but he stopped short of labeling the incursions as an invasion. U.S. officials have allegedly advised Israeli counterparts to hold off on an immediate all-out assault.
Furthermore, Netanyahu pledged to free the more than 200 hostages, including foreigners, held by Hamas. He emphasized that destroying Hamas’ governing and military capabilities and bringing the hostages home are the goals of the operation.
Since the conflict escalated three weeks ago, Israel has tightened its blockade and bombarded Gaza. The October 7 attack by Hamas reportedly left 1,400 Israelis dead, which Israeli authorities have described as the deadliest day in the nation’s history.
While Western countries generally support Israel’s right to self-defense, there has been growing international outcry over the toll of the bombing and calls for a “humanitarian pause” to allow aid to reach Gaza civilians and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Medical authorities in Gaza reported that 7,650 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s campaign against the Iran-backed militants.
In response to Israeli warnings, the Palestinian Red Crescent revealed that it was told to immediately evacuate the al-Quds hospital in Gaza, as Israeli raids were conducted just 50 meters away. Israeli military officials declined to comment on the statement.
With buildings reduced to rubble and limited shelter options, Gaza residents are facing shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine. UNRWA expressed concern about the breakdown of civil order after three weeks of war and a tight siege on Gaza, following reports of looting.
Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal appealed to Arab rescue teams for heavy machinery to aid in the rescue of survivors trapped under the rubble.
Israel focused its attack on the northern Gaza Strip, urging Palestinian civilians to evacuate. However, Palestinians argue that nowhere is safe, as bombs continue to target homes in the south of the densely populated territory.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” The U.N. Security Council plans to hold a meeting on the Israel-Gaza crisis to address the escalating conflict.
In a surprising move, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk offered SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to support communications in Gaza for internationally recognized aid organizations. Israel responded by stating that it would fight against this, claiming that Hamas could exploit it for terrorist activities.
Despite the ground offensive, Netanyahu assured that contacts to secure the release of hostages would continue. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, have been slower since the escalation on Friday.
Hamas’ armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, declared its fighters were prepared to confront the aggression and thwart the incursions.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians caught in the crossfire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, who appear resolved in their stance against the Israeli offensive.