Israel To Launch New Military Operations in Gaza

What Happened?

Israel announced plans to launch a new ground operation to take control of large portions of the Gaza Strip. In a statement released yesterday, Israel’s Defense Minister said combat operations in Gaza are “expanding, involving the broad evacuation of the Gazan population from combat zones.” 

Israeli officials didn’t specify exactly which parts of Gaza would be impacted by the new military operations. But the announcements came just a day after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah and some nearby areas.

Israel has also increased the number of airstrikes launched against targets in Gaza in the past several days. 

Why it Matters

Israel has Increased airstrikes along with an announcement of an imminent ground operation by the Israeli military. This indicates the fragile ceasefire between Israel and HAMAS enacted in January has ended. 

Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 1,042 people have been killed in the past two weeks since the fighting resumed. 

The resumption of fighting has generated mixed reactions in Israel. Many hardliners support the continued military operations against HAMAS. But the announcement of a new operation in Gaza triggered large protests in several Israeli cities. 

Families of those still held hostage by HAMAS were among the most vocal critics of the new operation. They claim the continued hostilities make it far less likely they will ever see their loved ones alive again.  

The Hostage Families Forum issued a statement saying “Instead of getting the hostages out in a deal and ending the war, Israel’s government is sending more soldiers to Gaza to fight in the same places that they already fought over and over again.”

Food and other supplies in Gaza have grown scarce, creating the potential for a humanitarian crisis. Israel claims HAMAS diverts international aid for its own use, a claim that likely has merit. 

HAMAS has a long history of using relief materials to feed its own fighters first, leaving the civilian population of Gaza with far fewer resources. HAMAS also frequently places weapons and ammunition near hospitals and schools.

And while their fighters shelter in a vast network of tunnels, Gaza civilians aren’t allowed to enter. 

The purpose of the new Israeli military operation will likely be to place large portions of Gaza under direct Israeli control. This will increase the ability of the Israeli military to find and eliminate HAMAS fighters.

But the move will also put more Israeli Defense Force personnel at risk since they will be vulnerable to counterattack by HAMAS. 

How it Affects You

The resumption of hostilities by Israel against HAMAS indicate the Middle East is once again on the brink of a major regional war.

That’s along with the increasing U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi in Yemen. 

Iran has yet to respond to this new round of fighting, but it is likely they will in the near future.