ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, Israeli forces were preparing for an imminent ground invasion of Gaza with the objective of annihilating Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group responsible for the deadliest attack in the country’s history.
In the past eight days, following a surprise onslaught by Hamas gunmen that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis, Israel has launched a devastating bombing campaign in Gaza, leading to a death toll of over 2,300 in the region.
Fear and chaos have gripped the 40-kilometer (25-mile) long strip, which ranks among the world’s most densely populated areas. There is no safe refuge for the large number of internally displaced Palestinians.
Entire blocks of Gaza City now lie in ruins, and the hospitals are overwhelmed with thousands of injured residents in the besieged territory. However, there are concerns that the situation could deteriorate further.
In response to the crisis, Israel, mourning its losses and angered by the situation, has deployed its forces outside the long-blockaded enclave, home to 2.4 million people. The Israeli army has announced plans for a comprehensive operation involving land, air, and sea attacks, including a “significant ground operation.”
Additionally, Israel has positioned troops and tanks along its northern border with Lebanon, an area monitored by the United Nations. It has also restricted civilian access to a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) wide zone there due to repeated cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah and other militant groups.
Israel Prepares for Gaza Ground Operation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops near Gaza, stating, “More is coming.” Israel’s military is ready for a ground operation, pending a political decision on timing.
Special forces have entered Gaza to recover hostages, while a Gaza ground invasion poses challenges due to Hamas’ tunnel network. Israel urged Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate, accusing Hamas of using them as “human shields.”
Catastrophic situation
Concerns grow over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel maintains a complete siege until hostages are released. Many are suffering due to the lack of essentials. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized Israel’s actions as going “beyond the scope of self-defense” and called for an end to collective punishment.
Egypt, controlling the only other crossing into Gaza, has yet to open it for foreign citizen evacuations without the entry of aid convoys. Anger and protests against Israel have erupted worldwide.
Militant groups linked to Iran pose a multi-front risk for Israel, with clashes in the West Bank and on its northern border with Lebanon. The U.S. deployed a second aircraft carrier to deter threats against Israel.
Grief and fury
In Israel, emotions range from grief to anger as they seek retribution against Hamas, which Netanyahu likens to ISIS. Outrage has surged due to viral images of Hamas attacks.
Israel evacuates southern towns targeted by Hamas, mobilizing reserve units and dispatching heavy armor.
Thousands of Israelis have returned to join the conflict, and a Haifa parking lot is now a hospital.
Israel has leveled buildings in Gaza, while Hamas fires rockets. Gaza faces an electricity crisis threatening essential services.
US President Biden collaborates with international partners to provide humanitarian aid for civilians, both in Israel and Gaza.
