An Israeli tank activates its decoy smoke while it manoeuvres inside the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel, October 29, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
The Israeli military has announced an expansion of ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Fighter jets have also struck hundreds of targets associated with the militant group Hamas, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the second phase of a three-week-long war.
The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by a day-long blackout of telephone and internet communications, impacting rescue operations. Israel’s relentless assault on Hamas-controlled areas had cut off the region from the outside world.
Local resident Shaban Ahmed, who chose to remain in Gaza City despite Israeli evacuation warnings, shared his perspective: “Israel cut us off from the world in order to wipe us out, but we are hearing the sounds of explosions and we are proud the resistance fighters have stopped them at meters distance.”
Ahmed learned of his cousin’s tragic fate – killed in an airstrike on Friday – only on Sunday due to the blackout.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) reported that their fighter jets have struck over 450 military targets associated with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. These targets included operational command centers, observation posts, and anti-tank missile launch posts.
“We are gradually expanding the ground activity and the scope of our forces in the Gaza Strip,” stated military spokesman Daniel Hagari during a briefing. “We will do everything we can from the air, sea, and land to ensure the safety of our forces and achieve the goals of the war.”
The conflict has its roots in an attack by Hamas militants on October 7th, which resulted in the death of over 1,400 people and the taking of more than 200 hostages. In response, Israel has imposed a tightened blockade and continued its bombardment of Gaza.
While Western countries have generally supported Israel’s right to self-defense, there has been a growing international outcry over the human toll inflicted by the ongoing bombing campaign. Calls for a “humanitarian pause” to facilitate aid to Gaza’s civilians have emerged.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for Israel to distinguish between Palestinian civilians and Hamas militants in Gaza. He also urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address extremist Jewish settler violence against innocent people in the occupied West Bank.
Pope Francis joined the chorus of voices calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed their concern about the challenges in delivering aid to Gaza during a phone call.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, with shortages of food, water, and medicine. The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reported that thousands of residents have resorted to breaking into warehouses to access essential supplies.
Israel has announced its intention to increase aid to Gaza in the coming days and has designated a “humanitarian zone” in the southern part of the territory, where Palestinian civilians are encouraged to seek refuge.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 10 Egyptian trucks carrying food and medicine have arrived in Gaza via the Rafah crossing, though the amount received remains a fraction of the required relief.
Displaced Palestinians in Gaza’s Khan Younis described dire living conditions, including limited access to food and water and extended queues for basic facilities. The suffering among the civilian population is palpable.
Central Israel faced heavy rocket fire on Sunday, with sirens sounding in several major cities. The armed wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, declared that it was “bombing Tel Aviv in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians.” They also claimed clashes with Israeli forces and the destruction of two Israeli tanks, though there was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has prepared Israelis for what he called a “long and hard” campaign. However, he has not referred to the current incursions in Gaza as an invasion, as some U.S. officials advise against an immediate all-out assault.
Netanyahu has also pledged to spare no effort to secure the release of more than 200 hostages, including foreigners, held by Hamas.
The conflict has prompted large demonstrations worldwide in support of the Palestinians, with several thousand people rallying in Beirut on Sunday to express solidarity with Gaza.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported warnings from Israeli authorities to immediately evacuate al-Quds hospital in Gaza. Raids on Sunday took place in close proximity to the facility, where approximately 14,000 people have sought shelter from Israeli airstrikes.
Israel has accused Hamas of locating command centers and military infrastructure in Gaza hospitals, a claim denied by the group. Concerns remain about the safety of the Gaza Shifa Hospital, where around 50,000 people have also taken shelter, and ongoing Israeli threats to the facility.
The Israeli military deployed troops and tanks into Gaza on Friday night, with a focus on destroying infrastructure, including the extensive tunnel network built by Hamas. The military has not provided specific details regarding the size of this deployment.
Amid these developments, Israel’s chief military spokesperson declined to confirm whether Israel was responsible for the telecommunications blackout but reiterated the intention to protect its forces. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate end in sight to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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