The Israeli military has launched an extensive operation across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas leadership and infrastructure. The operation began on Tuesday and involves dozens of strikes on various targets. According to the Israeli military, the strikes will continue for as long as necessary and will extend beyond airstrikes.
The operation has resulted in a significant death toll, with reports from the Palestinian civil emergency service indicating that at least 121 people have been killed. This includes mostly women, children, and the elderly. The civil emergency service noted that Israel carried out at least 35 airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 30 people in the process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take strong action against Hamas. The military operation was launched due to a lack of progress in talks to extend an existing ceasefire. The Israeli government has vowed to act against Hamas with increasing military strength.
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip," stated Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
The IDF is reportedly targeting Hamas's infrastructure and leadership to achieve the objectives set by the political echelon, including the release of hostages held by Hamas.
"The IDF is, at this time, attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased," stated Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
This escalation follows Hamas's repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages and its rejection of proposals from international mediators. The Israeli government remains steadfast in its resolve to bring back all hostages and defeat what they term as "the enemy."
"The Security Council will convene tomorrow to discuss the situation in Gaza. It is time for the countries of the world to take seriously our unwavering commitment to bring back all our hostages home and defeat the enemy," said Benjamin Netanyahu.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the impact of these strikes on civilians. Karoline Leavitt highlighted that the safety of humanitarians and civilians, including children, the disabled, and elderly, is not being upheld in this conflict.
"However, what we have seen so far in this conflict is the safety of humanitarians and civilians – including children, the disabled and elderly – is not being upheld," said Karoline Leavitt.
The ongoing military action raises fears about disruptions in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, potentially affecting remote areas where aid is most needed.
"These recent strikes may therefore result in the stoppage of aid to the most remote and dangerous areas where the need is often the greatest, despite ongoing ceasefire conditions that should enable the safe delivery of aid," added Karoline Leavitt.
Sally Thomas echoed these concerns, stressing that global conscience cannot afford for humanitarian work to stop in Gaza.
"Our global conscience, and of course the vulnerable people in Gaza, simply cannot afford for this work to stop," stated Sally Thomas.
The situation in Gaza remains tense as both sides brace for further developments. The international community watches closely as discussions within the United Nations Security Council are anticipated.