Israeli bulldozers with tanks have invaded the center of Gaza City. On October 7, the nation officially declared a state of ground war, intensifying the currently devastating conflict ravaging the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally announced the operation, calling it a “major operation in Gaza.” This military action is a part of the increased bombardment bombings around Gaza and has continued as a series of attacks. Consequently, devastation is rampant and humanitarian catastrophes are mounting.
Even Israel’s Defence Minister admits the extreme circumstances in Gaza, saying that “Gaza is on fire.” This declaration follows very serious accusations from UN investigators who allege that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. In reply to these allegations, Netanyahu’s government has firmly rebutted these charges, upholding their record on national security.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened to unprecedented levels. Global humanitarian agencies agree that the situation for the displaced is disastrous. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are moving southward from Gaza City, and there is no safe or dignified place for them to go. Despite this large population exodus, still hundreds of thousands of residents call the city home today. They are suffering in inhumane conditions exacerbated by a declared famine resulting from an Israeli-imposed aid blockade.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a clear message to Hamas. Yet they only have days remaining to accept a ceasefire agreement, with the bombardment ongoing. He reiterated the need for negotiations, warning that the option for a peaceful resolution is quickly vanishing. Rubio called on Qatar to continue to serve as a mediator in the conflict. In his briefing, he particularly stressed the importance of protective diplomatic efforts in calming and reducing this crisis.
“We’re going to ask Qatar to continue to do what they’ve done, and we appreciate very much, and that is, play a constructive role in trying to bring this to an end.” – Marco Rubio
The Israeli military has literally targeted blocks of flats all over Gaza City. First of all, they’ve been forcing inhabitants to evacuate while carrying out attacks on what they term “terror infrastructure.” As Netanyahu has often claimed, these operations are indeed essential to Israel’s national security.
“We’re not bringing down those towers [in Gaza City] to intimidate people,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli officials continue to insist that their current actions are about destroying Hamas strongholds. They assert that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are fighting heroically to create the conditions for the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
“IDF soldiers are fighting heroically to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas,” – Israel Katz
Despite these government assertions, international criticism persists, as accusations of genocide hang in the air. Israel is still fending off these allegations at the International Court of Justice, where these charges have been leveled against them. The Israeli government has strongly denied these accusations, calling them politically motivated.
“The Israelis have begun to take operations there. So we think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen. We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks to go.” – Marco Rubio
With the crisis deepening, leaders around the world are looking intently. Despite these dark realities, Israel’s intent in launching this extensive military operation certainly isn’t humanitarian. Human rights defenders are urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in order to avoid further civilian death and suffering.