Israel has announced an expansion of its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, aiming to gain control over significant areas in an effort to compel the surrender of Hamas. This declaration follows over 19 months of ongoing conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that troops could potentially take full control of Gaza, although the specifics of this plan remain unclear amid renewed cease-fire negotiations facilitated by the Trump administration.
Analysts suggest that the military announcements could serve as a tactical move to pressure Hamas into making concessions.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with recent hostilities exacerbating the humanitarian crisis caused by a blockade that has left many residents facing severe hunger.
In the lead-up to the renewed ground offensive, Israeli leaders had been threatening a significant escalation unless Hamas met Israel’s conditions for a cease-fire. On Sunday, Israel reported the initiation of “extensive ground operations” involving troops from five divisions throughout Gaza.
The military plans to divide the Gaza Strip into distinct zones while urging civilians to evacuate combat areas. However, details regarding the scale and progression of the offensive remain limited, with the Israeli military yet to commence a large-scale advance involving thousands of troops.
Recent satellite imagery indicates ongoing military activity near the Gaza border, particularly in the northern sector and the city of Khan Younis, as well as in Rafah, where significant destruction has been observed since the cease-fire ended.
Effie Defrin, the chief spokesman for the Israeli military, commented that the military's ambiguity regarding troop movements is a precautionary measure to safeguard its forces.
Since the escalation of bombardment preceding the renewed ground offensive, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 400 fatalities, according to Gaza health ministry estimates, which do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Israeli military claimed to have targeted over 670 locations in Gaza within the past week, amidst reports from residents of near-constant bombardment.
One notable strike targeted the vicinity of the European Hospital near Khan Younis, with Israeli officials stating the goal was to eliminate Muhammad Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander, though his status remains unconfirmed.
The Israeli military asserts that it employs measures to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and advance warnings prior to certain strikes.
The Gaza health ministry indicates that more than 53,000 individuals have died since the outbreak of the conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken to Gaza.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Israel lifted a two-month blockade on aid entering Gaza, allowing a limited amount of food supplies on Sunday night. On Monday, at least five aid trucks were permitted entry, a move welcomed by the U.N. humanitarian coordinator, who described it as insufficient compared to the urgent needs within the enclave.
The blockade has contributed to widespread hunger and suffering among Gaza's population, with aid organizations halting operations due to dwindling supplies. Reports of malnutrition among children have surfaced, and the U.N. has warned of potential famine conditions.
Despite earlier claims that Gaza was well-supplied, Israeli officials recognized the necessity of permitting some aid to prevent starvation among residents, a situation that could jeopardize international support for their military efforts.
Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged that resuming aid was influenced by external criticism and aimed at maintaining foreign backing for Israel's military campaign, stating that if starvation were to occur in Gaza, it would undermine support for Israel's actions.
The humanitarian crisis has led to mass displacement, with most of Gaza’s two million residents having been displaced multiple times throughout the conflict. In anticipation of escalated military action, Palestinians began evacuating their homes even before the latest military announcements.
On Monday, Israel issued evacuation orders around Khan Younis, prompting fears among residents like Suzanne Abu Daqqa, who expressed concerns about potential relocation to temporary camps along the coast.
Following evacuation orders, the Israeli military warned residents of Abasan to flee or risk facing "an unprecedented attack."