Russian soil-based Israeli envoy declares commencement of territorial military action in Gaza.
Here Comes the Hammer:
Benny Gantz, a diplomat, shares that Israel is prepared to sweep away all the terrifying infrastructure of Hamas and free hostages, marking a significant move. This action requires ground operations, according to Gantz, making it an inevitable reality. The exact start date for these operations in the Gaza Strip remains undisclosed.
Israel has made it clear that it expects Hamas to release women, children, and the elderly who are currently captive. Yet, progress on this front remains elusive, as reported by Gantz.
There's no plan for Israel to supply water to the north of Gaza, as the residents there are relocating to the south.
Previously, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that they would evaluate the Gaza situation, figure out the number of civilians remaining after evacuation, and, under optimal conditions, launch combat operations within the enclave. "As soon as we deem the circumstances ripe for large-scale combat operations, they will commence," the official stated. It's also reported that the Minister of Defense is on the verge of issuing orders for ground operations.
According to international media reports from October 20, the U.S. is wielding influence over Israel, causing the plans for ground operations in the Gaza Strip to undergo numerous adjustments.
Understanding the Context:
Operation Gideon's Chariots, launched by the IDF, is the driving force behind the attempts to crush Hamas, dismantle its military and governing structures, and establish control over the entire Gaza Strip. This operation employs a comprehensive military approach, involving land, air, and sea forces.
The IDF initiated its initial ground advance during this offensive on the night of May 16–17, heading towards Deir al-Balah. Following initial airstrikes on May 18, which targeted over 670 Hamas locations, ground and air operations escalated throughout May, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
By May 25, the IDF had reportedly taken control over approximately 77% of the Gaza Strip, signifying rapid territorial gains within about a week of ground advances. From May 26, renewed ground offensives were focused on Khan Yunis and surrounding areas, with the IDF issuing evacuation orders for several localities to consolidate Palestinian populations into smaller zones.
The IDF aims to capture 75% of Gaza Strip territory within two months, effectively confining the 2 million Palestinian residents to roughly 25% of the land area. This strategy involves pushing the population into designated "safer zones" primarily in Mawasi (southern Gaza), central Gaza (Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat), and Gaza City’s center.
The operation is marked by intense military activity, including the shelling of hospitals and displacement orders, causing immense damage to civilian infrastructure. The ground offensive is part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hamas’s military wing and civil governance, indicating a possible long-term military and administrative presence in Gaza if successful.
While the intricate details of the United States' operational role are not specified, historically and in a broader context:
- The US often provides diplomatic, military, and intelligence support to Israel during such operations.
- The United States plays a key role in international diplomatic efforts surrounding conflicts in Gaza, including aid delivery negotiations and ceasefire efforts.
- Given the complexity of the current offensive and international reactions, the US likely remains involved in strategic coordination and political backing of Israel’s military objectives against Hamas, alongside managing regional stability concerns.
The international general news is abuzz with updates on the pending ground operations in war-and-conflicts zones, such as the Gaza Strip, as stated by Israel's Minister of Defense. The United States, with its influential role, is reportedly adjusting Israel's plans for these ground operations, according to recent news reports.
