Israel initiates ground operations aimed at capturing Gaza City
In a significant development, Israel has launched a ground offensive in Gaza City, marking an escalation in its campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The operation, which began on Monday night, follows weeks of heavy bombardment in Gaza and months of conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.
Israeli tanks entered Gaza City on Monday night, following massive airstrikes that had been ongoing for several days. The operation is aimed at capturing Gaza City, a move that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously described as critical to defeating Hamas.
According to reports, about 700,000 residents of Gaza City remained as of Monday, while an estimated 300,000 had fled southward. The intensity of the campaign against Hamas has increased steadily in recent weeks, with Israel expanding its operations last Tuesday with an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The health ministry, under the Hamas-run government, reported more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault. However, U.N. agencies and independent experts consider the ministry's casualty records as generally reliable.
The operation in Gaza City is part of Israel's efforts to capture the entire Gaza Strip. Last Tuesday, Netanyahu ordered a complete evacuation of Gaza City, warning of an intensified ground maneuver. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Gaza is burning and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are striking with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure.
However, the IDF has not issued an official comment on the operation in Gaza City. International monitors warn that famine has taken hold in parts of the Gaza enclave. The IPC Initiative for Food Security, which includes nearly two dozen United Nations organizations and aid groups, recently declared famine conditions in parts of the Gaza Strip, highlighting the risk to 132,000 children under five due to malnutrition. Several Israeli human rights organizations such as B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have spoken out about severe hunger and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The operation in Gaza City marks a concerning escalation in the ongoing conflict, with potential far-reaching consequences for the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and the restoration of peace.
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