Israel’s Ground Offensive Intensifies in Gaza, Causing More Displacement and Casualties
Israel has announced that its troops have entered Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza, as part of its expanded ground offensive. This move comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters a new, bloody phase, with increased bombardment resulting in a growing number of casualties, including children.
Intense Battles in Southern and Northern Gaza
The Israeli military has described the current battles as the “most intense day” since the ground offensive began over five weeks ago. Heavy firefights are taking place not only in southern Gaza but also in the northern part of the territory. The aim of this expanded ground offensive is to destroy Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.
Displaced Palestinians and Insufficient Aid Supplies
As a result of the assault into the south, a new wave of displaced Palestinians is being pushed further away from their homes. Relief groups are expressing alarm over their inability to keep up with the growing number of displaced people due to insufficient aid supplies entering Gaza. According to the United Nations, more than 80 percent of Gaza’s population, or 1.87 million people, have been driven from their homes. The Israeli military’s new evacuation orders are forcing people into smaller and smaller areas in the southern portion of the coastal strip.
Growing Fierceness of Bombardment
The bombardment across Gaza has intensified, even in areas where Palestinians are instructed to seek safety. In Deir Al-Balah, a town just north of Khan Younis, a strike destroyed a house where dozens of displaced people were taking shelter. At least 34 people were killed in this incident, including six children. Footage from the scene showed the devastating aftermath, with women screaming from the remains of the shattered house and men pulling the lifeless body of a child from under a concrete slab. The hospital nearby was overwhelmed with injured victims, including a young boy and girl who were placed together on a single stretcher.
Israel’s Precision Strikes and US Pressure
Under pressure from the United States to prevent further mass casualties, Israel claims to be more precise in its targeting as it expands its offensive into southern Gaza. However, weeks of bombardment and the initial ground offensive have already caused significant destruction in northern Gaza. Since the conflict began on October 7, more than 15,890 people have been killed in Gaza, with 70 percent of them being women and children. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 42,000 wounded individuals. It is important to note that the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. The recent ceasefire that ended last Friday has not brought an end to the violence, as hundreds of people remain trapped under rubble.
Conclusion
The intensified ground offensive by Israel in Gaza has led to a surge in casualties and displacement. The situation is particularly dire in southern Gaza, where displaced Palestinians are being squeezed into smaller areas due to new evacuation orders. Relief groups are struggling to provide aid as supplies are insufficient. The growing fierceness of the bombardment has resulted in devastating scenes of destruction and loss of life, including the deaths of innocent children. As the conflict continues, there is mounting pressure on Israel to exercise more precision in its strikes to prevent further mass casualties. However, the toll on Gaza’s population continues to rise, with many still trapped under rubble and in desperate need of assistance.