Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza, Evacuates Northern Town
Israel has launched a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip and started evacuating a northern town near the Lebanese border, signaling a potential ground invasion of Gaza. The Israeli military has bombarded Gaza, hitting areas in the south where Palestinians were instructed to seek safety. Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis, with ambulances carrying men, women, and children streaming into the overwhelmed Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military has struck over 100 targets linked to Hamas, including tunnels and arms depots.
Over a million people have been displaced in Gaza, and the territory’s hospitals are struggling to cope with limited medical supplies and fuel shortages. Aid delivery from Egypt has yet to enter Gaza, and the deal to get aid through the Rafah crossing, which is not controlled by Israel, remains fragile. Israel has evacuated its own communities near Gaza and Lebanon, accommodating residents in hotels. The Defense Ministry announced evacuation plans for Kiryat Shmona, a town near the Lebanese border.
The violence in Gaza has sparked protests in Arab countries allied with the U.S., with demonstrations expected to escalate following Friday’s Muslim prayers. President Joe Biden, in an address from the Oval Office, pledged support for Israel’s security but also recognized the plight of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. Biden compared the situation in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating that both Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin seek to annihilate neighboring democracies. Biden announced an urgent budget request to Congress for emergency military aid to Israel and Ukraine.
There has been conflicting information about casualties and incidents in Gaza. An unclassified U.S. intelligence assessment estimated that casualties in an explosion at a Gaza City hospital were between 100 and 300 deaths. However, the report stated that intelligence officials are still assessing the evidence, and the casualty estimate may change. The cause of the explosion remains disputed, with Israel presenting evidence that blames Palestinian militants.
As the conflict continues, Gazans are facing dire food and water shortages due to the Israeli siege. The Gaza Health Ministry has appealed for fuel donations to hospitals, but negotiations between Egypt and Israel are ongoing. Gazans are down to one meal a day and relying on generators due to the shutdown of the territory’s sole power plant.
The situation remains tense, with Israel massing tens of thousands of troops along the Gaza border and calling up reserves. The international community is urging for a de-escalation of the conflict, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. However, finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be a complex and challenging task.
