Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza early Friday, targeting areas where Palestinian civilians were instructed to seek shelter. Concurrently, a significant Israeli town near the Lebanese border was being evacuated, signaling a possible ground invasion of Gaza that could potentially escalate tensions in the region.
Reports emerged of heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis, located in the southern part of Gaza. As a result, ambulances rushed to Nasser Hospital, Gaza’s second-largest healthcare facility, which was already strained due to an influx of patients and displaced individuals seeking refuge. The Israeli military disclosed that over 100 targets linked to Hamas had been struck, including arms depots and a tunnel.
The Defense Minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant, issued a directive on Thursday for ground troops to prepare for an operation within Gaza, suggesting that a full-scale offensive was imminent with the aim of crippling Hamas, the ruling faction in the territory.
Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations’ human rights office expressed concern over reports indicating that some Palestinians who initially relocated to the south in compliance with Israeli evacuation orders are now returning to their homes. This shift in movement is attributed to the fact that Israeli airstrikes are now also targeting the southern areas. Consequently, the living conditions in the south, coupled with the relentless bombardment, have coerced individuals to consider relocating back to the north, despite the continued heavy bombing in that region.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the United States has introduced a visa waiver program for Israeli citizens, enabling them to visit the US for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. This move comes after Israel’s admission into the program on September 27.
Against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to embark on crisis talks during his Middle East tour. He intends to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in an effort to prevent the conflict from spilling over and destabilizing the wider region. Earlier, Sunak had productive discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Meanwhile, US forces stationed in the region are facing increasing threats. A Navy warship intercepted missiles on Thursday that appeared to be targeting Israel, while American bases in Iraq and Syria have repeatedly come under drone attacks. In a separate incident, a rocket attack early Friday morning targeted US and coalition forces, according to a US official.
The heightened tensions and the potential for a ground invasion in Gaza have raised concerns about regional stability. The international community is grappling with the escalating violence, with key stakeholders working towards finding a resolution and preventing further loss of life and destruction.
