LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Israel ground forces make big incursion into Gaza, withdraw
Russia’s Putin warns conflict could spread beyond Middle East
Palestinians bury unidentified dead in mass graves
GAZA/JERUSALEM, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip as it prepared for a ground invasion it says is aimed at annihilating the Palestinian militant group Hamas as Russia warned the conflict could spread beyond the Middle East.
In besieged Gaza, humanitarian supplies were critically low, as world powers failed to agree on a lull in the fighting to deliver aid, and residents buried the dead in mass graves as the civilian toll mounted.
Israel’s military indicated that it was widening its assaults into Gaza, with ground forces attacking multiple targets in the Hamas-ruled enclave on Thursday before withdrawing, in what has been described as the biggest incursion of the current war by Army Radio.
This escalation of the conflict comes as U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his hope for a future that includes Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in safety, dignity, and peace. Biden made these remarks during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve a resolution that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the ongoing conflict could have grave consequences beyond the Middle East. He expressed concern over innocent civilians being punished for the actions of others and called for an immediate end to the bloodshed and violence.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that the conflict in Gaza may spread beyond its borders. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had agreed to delay invading Gaza until U.S. air defense systems could be deployed in the region to protect American forces. U.S. officials have also raised concerns that Iranian-backed groups could escalate the conflict by attacking U.S. troops in the Middle East. An Israeli incursion into Gaza could potentially serve as a trigger for such attacks.
Notably, the Gaza war has already sparked conflict beyond the Palestinian territories. Israeli warplanes struck Syrian army infrastructure in response to rockets fired from Syria, an ally of Iran. Israel has also targeted Syria’s Aleppo airport and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, efforts to provide aid to the suffering civilians in Gaza have stalled at the United Nations. A U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution calling for pauses in hostilities to allow for the delivery of essential supplies was vetoed by Russia and China. The United Arab Emirates also voted against the resolution. Russia proposed a rival ceasefire agreement, but it failed to garner enough votes.
As the death toll rises in Gaza, Palestinians are resorting to burying unidentified bodies in mass graves, with only a number instead of a name. Families are using bracelets as a means of identification, hoping to locate their loved ones in case they are killed.
With Israel vowing to eradicate Hamas, tensions continue to escalate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is preparing for a ground invasion but did not provide specific details regarding when or how many troops would be involved. Israeli tank units and troops are currently stationed at the border with Gaza, awaiting further orders. The international community is increasingly urging Israel to delay any invasion, particularly due to the presence of hostages. Over half of the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas possess foreign passports from 25 different countries, according to the Israeli government.
The situation remains dire for the people of Gaza, with no immediate resolutions in sight. International pressure to de-escalate the violence and prevent further civilian casualties continues to mount.