Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza, Death Toll Climbs
Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza
Israel has initiated what it calls “extensive” ground operations in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This comes as airstrikes throughout the night and into Sunday have killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, according to hospitals and medics.
The offensive, the largest since a ceasefire crumbled in March, aims to seize territory and displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
A Desperate Plea for Peace
Amidst the chaos and devastation, residents of Gaza are pleading for an end to the violence. Jabaliya resident Abu Mohammad Yassin, who is among those fleeing the onslaught, said, “When the Jews want a truce, Hamas refuses, and when Hamas wants a truce, the Jews refuse it. Both sides agree to exterminate the Palestinian people. For God’s sake, have mercy on us. We are tired of displacement.”
Conflicting Demands and Stalemate
Israel is pushing for a temporary ceasefire that would secure the release of hostages held in Gaza but wouldn’t necessarily resolve the larger conflict. Hamas, however, insists on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a path to ending the war as part of any agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that his negotiating team in Qatar is actively pursuing every opportunity for a deal, including one that would bring an end to the fighting in exchange for the release of all remaining 58 hostages, Hamas’ exile from Gaza, and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory. Hamas has rejected these terms, refusing to leave Gaza or disarm.
Mounting Civilian Casualties
Israel cites Hamas for civilian casualties, claiming the militant group operates from within civilian areas. However, the death toll continues to rise, with hospitals struggling to cope. The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, the main medical facility in the region, was forced to shut down due to fighting and what officials described as an Israeli military “siege.”
This latest escalation comes after weeks of intense airstrikes and a land blockade imposed by Israel, which has cut off essential supplies to Gaza for three months. The blockade has raised concerns about a potential famine in the territory, home to over 2 million people.
The war, which began on October 7th with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in a devastating loss of life on both sides. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 53,000 Palestinian deaths, while Israel says over 1,200 of its citizens were killed in the initial attack.
International Condemnation and Calls for Action
The escalating violence has drawn international condemnation, with calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The UN and various human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Houthi Missile Interception
Adding to the complexity, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen early Sunday. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, claim they fired the missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
