Israel initiates initial stage of Gaza military operation - Netanyahu accelerates speed
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military has commenced preparatory measures to take control of Gaza City, following a major attack by Hamas and affiliated Palestinian groups.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a coordinated assault on Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. The incident marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict, with the Israeli military responding decisively.
Israeli troops have already occupied the outskirts of the city, and the Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has approved the mobilization of around 60,000 more reservists for the takeover of Gaza City. This mobilization is unprecedented, with only Israel having called up its reservists for this operation, totalling up to 100,000 soldiers.
The offensive is feared to worsen the already catastrophic situation of the civilian population in the sealed Gaza Strip, where around two million Palestinians live. To minimize harm to civilians, the Israeli military will warn the civilian population and enable their evacuation, as stated by the Israeli military spokesperson, Effie Defrin.
The attack by Hamas aimed to capture Israeli soldiers as hostages, according to Israeli Channel 12. Regrettably, an Israeli soldier was seriously wounded, and two others were lightly injured in the initial attack.
As the offensive continues, the Israeli military is still locating and eliminating the fleeing fighters. Hamas has been weakened and evolved into a battered guerrilla organization, according to Defrin. However, the group still holds about 50 hostages in the Gaza Strip, with approximately 20 believed to be still alive.
Relatives of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other Islamic organizations have protested for the release of their loved ones. The Hamas had distributed a video of one of the hostages, Rom Braslavski, who appears emaciated and severely weakened.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the city of Gaza to be taken faster than previously planned. The next phase of the war has begun, Defrin stated. As the operation progresses, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of all hostages.
In light of the ongoing conflict, it is crucial for civilians to stay away from active combat zones for their safety. The Israeli military urges everyone to follow instructions and heed warnings to ensure the wellbeing of all parties involved.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
