On Monday, Israel’s security cabinet approved an expansion of its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. This decision followed a missile attack from Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Ben Gurion Airport, occurring just hours before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the cabinet to discuss the next steps in the conflict with Hamas.
The Israeli military announced its intention to mobilize reservists to intensify its operations against Hamas, aiming to pressure the militant group to release hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that operations would extend to additional areas, focusing on dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure both above and below ground.
The situation in Gaza has escalated, with the enclave experiencing its longest humanitarian blockade since the conflict began, entering its third month. Israel has implemented a total ban on the entry of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medical supplies. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 51,000 casualties in Gaza since the onset of Israel’s military operations, which have disproportionately affected women and children.
In contrast, Israel has reported around 1,200 fatalities due to the initial Hamas attacks and approximately 250 hostages taken. This situation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further complicating an already tense atmosphere. As both sides prepare for intensified military actions, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with many residents displaced and seeking refuge in overcrowded facilities.
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