Hamas has vowed to respond forcefully to Israeli attacks, as Israel’s military has intensified its air and ground assaults on the Palestinian enclave. There are indications that a long-awaited ground offensive has begun. Although Israel initially made brief incursions into Gaza during three weeks of bombing, it has now deployed troops on the ground. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the forces were still actively engaged in the conflict. Gaza is experiencing an almost complete blackout, with internet and phone services cut for over 12 hours, a result of Israeli bombings.
Amidst this crisis, Israel has announced that it will permit trucks carrying food, water, and medicine to enter Gaza, indicating a temporary pause in the bombings at the border. However, aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where 2.3 million people are under complete Israeli blockade. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concern over the blackout, stating that it makes it impossible for ambulances to reach the injured and for patients to be evacuated or find safe shelter. Additionally, the WHO has been unable to contact its staff and health facilities in the area.
The families of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel have demanded an urgent meeting with the government. They expressed concern about the well-being of the hostages in Gaza and criticized the war cabinet for not meeting with them to provide explanations. The government assured that it is doing everything possible to rescue the hostages. Meanwhile, the Palestinian terrorist group ruling Gaza reported that its gunmen were engaged in clashes with Israeli troops near the border. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari had previously announced that ground forces were expanding their operations, including striking tunnels and other infrastructure used by Hamas.
The United States and other Western countries continue to offer strong support to Israel but have advised against a ground offensive due to concerns about high casualties among Palestinians escalating the conflict. Hamas is backed by Iran, which also supports extremists in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The Israeli military reported stopping a missile fired from Lebanon at one of its drones and retaliating against the launch site. This incident marks the most serious border clashes since 2006. Israel’s neighbor Egypt has warned against any further escalation of the conflict after drones from the conflict fell on its territory.