Israel Expands Ground Activity in Gaza
Tel Aviv — Israel’s military announced on Friday that it is expanding its ground operations in Gaza, signaling a potential new phase in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesman, confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have increased their attacks in the Gaza Strip. The extent of the expanded activity is still uncertain, but two U.S. officials told CBS News that this could be the beginning of a ground invasion.
The announcement came as internet and phone services collapsed in Gaza due to heavy bombardment, causing a complete disruption of communication and internet access, according to the Palestine Telecommunications Company.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli forces conducted a ground raid into Gaza for the second consecutive night. Backed by fighter jets and drones, the IDF struck dozens of targets on the outskirts of Gaza City. The raid resulted in no Israeli casualties.
The ongoing conflict began nearly three weeks ago when Hamas launched a salvo of thousands of rockets into southern Israel. Israel has responded with intense airstrikes and artillery fire, claiming that it is acting in self-defense against the terrorist organization. However, health officials in Gaza report that more than 7,000 people have been killed, while Israel disputes this figure. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and civilian casualties continue to rise.
The possibility of a ground invasion raises concerns about further civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations, along with several nations and aid organizations, has called for a humanitarian truce and an end to hostilities. On Friday, the U.N. General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution for a humanitarian truce, but the United States voted against it.
There are also growing fears that the conflict could escalate beyond Gaza and Israel’s borders. The U.S. recently conducted airstrikes on facilities used by Iran-backed militants in eastern Syria, signaling a tough response to attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. Iran’s influence in the region, supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, poses a significant threat to regional stability. Hezbollah has already exchanged fire with Israeli forces, and there are concerns that the conflict could draw in other actors.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community urges a peaceful resolution to the conflict and calls for a cease-fire to protect civilian lives and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.