Title: Intense Fights in Gaza as Israel Strengthens Offensive
The Gaza conflict has reached an intense phase in Gaza City. This marks the most intense clashes since the ground offensive kick-started. Meanwhile, US concerns over conflict progression persist, while Israel continues its bombardment.
Over the past day, the Israeli military attacked approximately 250 "terror targets" in Gaza, as announced by the army. Troops worked tirelessly to dismantle weapons, tunnel systems, explosives, and other military infrastructure. A fighter plane in cooperation with ground forces targeted two launching pads from where terrorists launched rockets at Israel's heartland.
In further attacks, terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were eliminated, and their infrastructures were destroyed, the army revealed. The army also attacked a "terrorist cell" operating near a school in the northern Gaza Strip. A tunnel shaft was subsequently demolished there. Weapons and ammunition were discovered in another school located in the north.
The Israeli military has been involved in their heaviest fighting against the radical Islamic Palestinian group, Hamas, since the beginning of its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The military is engaging in intense battles in Gaza City, the military declared. Gaza City has been surrounded by Israeli soldiers since Tuesday, with troops already advancing into the city center.
Hamas' Kassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, acknowledged their involvement in the clashes with Israeli troops. On Tuesday, eight Israeli soldiers were wounded or killed, and 24 Israeli military vehicles were destroyed, according to Hamas's report. However, according to the Israeli military's own claims, two soldiers were killed on Tuesday, bringing the total Israeli soldier casualties to 83 since the ground offensive started.
Israel contemplates future attacks in Lebanon
UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported the first fatality of a Lebanese soldier since the Gaza war commenced. UNIFIL also stated that the Lebanese army did not engage in a conflict with Israel.
According to the Israeli military, they are investigating an attack by its troops on targets in southern Lebanon causing the Lebanese soldier's death. The Israeli military regrets the incident, explained their statement, adding that the Lebanese armed forces were not the intended target.
Since the launch of the Gaza war, increased skirmishes have been witnessed between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militia in the border area between northern Israel and southern Lebanon. The Shiite Hezbollah militia and radical Islamic Palestinian organization, Hamas, in Gaza, are allied. Both groups deny the Israeli state's right to exist. This explains why the Gaza conflict, which has been ongoing for two months, may escalate further.
Atrocities perpetrated against Israeli civilians by Hamas
The Gaza conflict was triggered by the deadliest massacre in Israeli history, orchestrated by Hamas and other terrorists on October 7, near the border with the Gaza Strip. Over 1,200 people were killed, according to official reports. Three weeks later, Israel launched its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip's north, later extending it to the south.
The Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health reported a total of 16,200 deaths in Gaza. While these figures cannot be independently verified, the UN and other observers acknowledge their reliability. Currently, thousands of residents are still missing and presumed buried under the rubble of numerous destroyed homes and buildings. The Gaza Strip's civilian population lives in dire conditions.
During a week-long ceasefire, which lasted until February 10, approximately 100 hostages were released. Around 138 hostages remain in the hands of radical groups. In exchange, Israel released around 240 Palestinian female and minor prisoners from its detention centers.
Additional Information:
- After Hamas postponed the release of Israeli hostages, Israel Defense Minister IIzet Katz ordered the IDF to prepare for "possible scenarios" in Gaza.
- In response to Hamas ceasefire violations, Israeli Defense Minister issued orders for IDF preparations.
- Similarly, Israel has continued to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza despite ongoing tensions.
- The Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023 when Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on Israel, resulting in a significant escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Following the deadly October attack, Israel launched a full-scale invasion of Gaza to accomplish multiple objectives, including weakening Hamas, freeing hostages, ensuring Gaza was no longer a threat to Israel, and facilitating the return of displaced residents in Northern Israel.
- The conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences, including the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with 90% of the population being displaced and suffering from severe food insecurity.
- The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, required Hamas to release hostages and Israel to withdraw troops and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. However, the second and third phases of the agreement are yet to be negotiated. Infighting within the Israeli government suggests that military operations could resume if the agreement is not fully implemented.
