The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it has begun an “extensive ground operation” across both the northern and southern parts of the enclave, even as negotiations over a possible ceasefire and hostage release continue in Qatar. The large-scale ground campaign in Gaza started on Sunday following a wave of overnight airstrikes that killed more than 100 people, according to local health officials.
According to a report by RT, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office made a statement about the incursion on Sunday. It said the negotiation team in Doha is “working to exhaust every possibility for a deal,” but emphasized that any potential agreement must include the release of all hostages, the expulsion of Hamas members from Gaza, and the full disarmament of the territory.
Medical officials in Gaza say that hospitals are now struggling to cope with the rising number of wounded people. “Hospitals are overwhelmed by the growing number of casualties – many of them children – and are facing severe shortages of medical supplies,” according to Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Deqran. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that more than 3,000 people have been killed since March.
Israel claims that civilian injuries are the fault of the terrorist organization, Hamas, for using “densely populated areas” for its military operations.
Only a few days ago, Netanyahu vowed to go into Gaza “full force” with the goal of finishing off Hamas.
Israel Doubles Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Hamas
Speaking to wounded Israeli reservists on Tuesday, Netanyahu insisted that “in the coming days, we will go in [to Gaza] with full force to complete the operation.” This means “destroying Hamas” as well as “freeing all our hostages,” according to the prime minister.
Since the breakdown of the ceasefire, Israel has halted all humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and medical supplies. The claim is that this will apply more pressure to Hamas.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “alarmed” by the escalating violence in Gaza and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire while speaking at an Arab League summit in Baghdad on Saturday. UN agencies followed up by warning of severe shortages of essentials across the territory.
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