Israeli troops have made significant advances toward Gaza City so far, the densely populated heart of the enclave. However, they are encountering formidable opposition from Palestinian fighters, Hamas, escalating an already devastating conflict that has claimed over 9,000 lives.
Reports indicate that fighters from Hamas, the ruling faction in Gaza, along with their ally, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), are employing guerrilla tactics, emerging from tunnels to engage Israeli tanks before retreating into an extensive underground network. Eyewitnesses and videos from both groups have confirmed these daring maneuvers.
18 Israeli soldiers killed as ground operation intensifies
Israel endeavors to dismantle Hamas’s stronghold with its formidable air force. Tragically, the Israeli military announced the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel Salman Habaka, the commander of its 53rd battalion, marking a significant blow to the Israeli forces. His death brings the toll of Israeli soldiers killed since the intensification of the ground operation to 18, making him the highest-ranking officer to have fallen in this offensive, which commenced in late October.
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In retaliation, Israel claims to have eliminated numerous Palestinian fighters in their ongoing offensive. As the casualty count continues to mount, the conflict inches closer to Gaza’s northern population center, prompting Israel to issue evacuation orders to its citizens. Those who choose not to comply are warned of being viewed as “terrorist accomplices.”
Simultaneously, Israel persists in subjecting the area to relentless air raids, as military officials reveal the amassing of troops “at the gates of Gaza City”. This set the stage for a potentially decisive climax in this high-stakes battle.
Israeli military grapples with Hamas’ ingenious defense
In a startling admission, Israeli officials have acknowledged that Hamas has shown exceptional preparation for the ongoing battle, strategically placing minefields and booby traps that have significantly impeded Israeli forces’ access to Gaza City.
Brigadier-General Iddo Mizrahi, chief of Israel’s military engineers, stated, “This is certainly terrain that is more heavily sown than in the past with minefields and booby traps. Hamas has learned and prepared itself well.” This revelation underscores the formidable challenge Israeli forces face on the ground.
A Gaza City resident, speaking to reporters, reported continuous shelling by Israel throughout Wednesday night, November 1, 2023, yet Israeli forces were unable to breach the city limits. The resident, who requested anonymity, revealed, “In the morning, we [discovered] the Israeli forces are still outside the city, in the outskirts, and that means the resistance is heavier than they expected.”
Ejaz Haider, a prominent foreign affairs and military analyst, provided insights, stating that the Israeli army is employing a multi-pronged approach to encircle suspected Hamas fighters. He suggested that in addition to overwhelming firepower, Israel may seek to saturate the area with troops, a tactic that carries both risks and potential gains.
9,000+ lives lost, thousands displaced
As Israel presses forward in its advance towards Gaza City, it has also conducted air strikes on the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp, targeting leaders of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades believed to be in hiding.
Tragically, Gaza’s authorities have reported at least 195 Palestinian casualties from the strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday, with 777 people injured and 120 others still missing. The scenes on the ground have been described as nothing short of a “massacre” by witnesses.
Israel has confirmed the elimination of two Qassam Brigades leaders in Jabalia, further intensifying the conflict.
This latest chapter in the Israel-Hamas conflict was ignited by a surprise assault by the Palestinian group on Israeli territory. Israel contends that the group’s actions resulted in the loss of approximately 1,400 lives, predominantly civilians.
In retaliation, Israel’s bombardment of the enclave has exacted a devastating toll, claiming the lives of over 9,000 people, including more than 3,700 children, according to Gaza authorities. The conflict has left the territory’s infrastructure in ruins and displaced hundreds of thousands, painting a grim picture of the ongoing crisis.
Global outcry grows amid escalating death toll
The escalating death toll and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza have ignited mounting criticism from world leaders, activists, and international bodies, as the conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on the civilian population.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently expressed grave concern, warning that Israel’s “disproportionate attacks… could amount to war crimes.” The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and pressure is mounting on all parties involved to seek a resolution that safeguards innocent lives.
Even the United States, a staunch ally of Israel and a consistent supporter throughout the war, is now advocating for caution. In a significant shift, President Joe Biden made a pivotal statement, saying, “I think we need a pause.” This call for restraint marks a change in the stance of Israel’s most prominent supporter.
To intensify diplomatic engagement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on his third visit to Israel since the onset of the conflict. He is set to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, where he plans to offer unwavering support while emphasizing the paramount importance of protecting civilians amid the ongoing crisis.
Amid more than three weeks of a total blockade in Gaza, a glimmer of hope emerges as foreign passport holders and severely wounded individuals are allowed to leave, thanks to an Egypt-mediated deal. Palestinian border official Wael Abu Mehsen has confirmed that 400 foreign citizens departed for Egypt via the Rafah crossing on Thursday, following the departure of at least 320 individuals on the previous day. An additional 60 critically injured Palestinians are also scheduled to cross the border.
