Anticipated prolonged military engagement in Gaza City under Israeli control
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The Wall Street Journal, citing Israeli and Arab officials, reported that Hamas likely has tens of thousands of fighters, many of whom are new recruits with little training.
The northern part of Gaza is being systematically destroyed by Israel, according to reports. Beneath the streets lies an extensive network of tunnels connecting Hamas command centers, rocket launchers, and weapons depots, according to Israeli army spokesman Effie Defrin.
The Israeli ground offensive in Gaza, led by thousands of soldiers, began in the early hours of Tuesday, following the Israeli security cabinet's approval in August. The Israeli army estimates that up to 3,000 combat-ready Hamas members are in the coastal city.
The Israeli army spokesman has suggested that the ground offensive could last for months. This prolonged conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with many Palestinians unable to afford to flee the city due to high costs associated with transportation. Aid organizations, including Save the Children, are urging the international community to take immediate action.
The European Union is deeply divided in its handling of the Jewish state, as stated by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas. She encourages EU member states, especially those currently resisting sanctions like Germany, to develop specific proposals for sanctions against Israel. The EU Commission will present further concrete proposals in response to Israel's actions in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is 'horrendous,' according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. A UN-commissioned commission of human rights lawyers concluded in a report released Tuesday that Israel's conduct of the war against Hamas aims to destroy the Palestinians, amounting to genocide.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that nearly 400,000 people have left the city declared a combat zone, which is less than half of the estimated one million residents. Netanyahu has also instructed the army to facilitate the escape of people from Gaza.
However, there are still 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip, of whom 20 are still alive according to Israeli information. The families of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of sacrificing their relatives for political reasons. Netanyahu has warned Hamas not to harm the hostages taken from Israel.
The Israeli army has announced a temporary 48-hour evacuation route southwards in Gaza, valid from 12:00 local time (11:00 CEST). The cost of renting a car to transport belongings has skyrocketed to 5,000 shekels - nearly 1,300 euros, according to an N12 Israeli TV reporter.
The EU is urging Israel to take a clear stance in the conflict, with Kallas calling on Germany, which is currently resisting sanctions, to take a more active role. The situation in Gaza continues to be a source of international concern and debate.
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