Israel Initiates Second Phase of Gaza War with Ground Operation, Netanyahu States

By James Mackenzie and Maayan Lubell

JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that Israeli forces had entered the second phase of the conflict in Gaza, intensifying ground operations against Hamas militants. He vowed to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground."

The people of Gaza remained isolated, with minimal communication to the outside, as Israeli jets continued to bombard the area. Military leaders indicated that a long-expected ground offensive was underway.

In a press conference held in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu cautioned Israelis to prepare for a "long and hard" military campaign, though he refrained from labeling the current operations as a full-scale invasion. He reiterated the call for Palestinian civilians to evacuate northern Gaza, where Israel is focusing its offensive, while emphasizing that efforts would be made to rescue the over 200 hostages taken by Hamas.

"This is the second stage of the war with clear goals: to dismantle Hamas’ governing and military capabilities and to bring the hostages home," Netanyahu stated. "We are only at the start."

Following the assault by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, Israel has maintained a stringent blockade and bombarded Gaza for three weeks. While many Western nations support Israel’s right to self-defense, there is growing international concern over the humanitarian impact of the airstrikes, with increasing calls for pauses to allow aid to reach civilians in Gaza.

Health officials in the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, report that 7,650 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Israeli military campaign. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the situation, stating that the people of Gaza are enduring genocide and massacres carried out by Israeli forces under the world’s gaze.

As infrastructure crumbles, residents in Gaza face severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The situation deteriorated further on Friday night when communications were cut, coinciding with heavy bombardment. One journalist in Gaza described a harrowing night spent in a stairwell as bombs fell around them.

With phone services disrupted, the ability to call for ambulances was compromised, compounded by a lack of fuel for emergency responders, according to eyewitness accounts.

Israel’s military spokesperson did not confirm or deny responsibility for the communications blackout but stated that necessary actions would be taken to protect Israeli forces.

ISRAELI MILITARY OPERATIONS

While no mass invasion has been declared, Israeli troops and armor that were deployed into Gaza on Friday night are reportedly focusing on targeting Hamas’ extensive tunnel network. Israel has urged residents to move south, claiming that Hamas is hiding among civilian structures, particularly in the northern areas. However, Palestinians insist that there is nowhere safe, as bombs continue to strike even in the southern parts of the territory.

"A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes," warned U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Various humanitarian organizations have reported difficulties contacting their personnel in Gaza. However, a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross, William Schomburg, managed to convey that medical staff are tirelessly working despite facing personal tragedies, with many victims among their families.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk extended an offer for his SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service to assist in restoring communications for recognized aid organizations in Gaza. This prompted a response from Israeli officials, asserting that Hamas could exploit the technology for terrorist activities.

Video footage from the Israeli side of the fortified border showed explosions in Gaza, sending smoke rising over damaged buildings. Hamas claimed it was close to reaching a deal with Israel regarding the hostages but accused Israel of stalling the negotiation process.

Netanyahu, who met with families of the hostages, asserted that efforts to secure their release would persist despite military actions, suggesting that pressure on Hamas could aid in their return.

Negotiations mediated by Qatar aimed at easing hostilities were reportedly continuing, albeit at a slower pace following the recent escalation in Gaza. Previous discussions facilitated the release of two American hostages and two elderly Israeli women.

REGIONAL TENSIONS

Israeli forces reported that jets struck crucial targets within Hamas’ infrastructure, including tunnels and command centers, resulting in the death of key Hamas figures. Clashes between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops were reported in several areas, including Beit Hanoun and Al-Bureij.

The international community has urged Israel to reconsider its ground operations to prevent further Palestinian casualties and potential regional escalation. Hamas, backed by Iran, has the capability to engage militia groups across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. In response to tensions, the U.S. has been repositioning military assets in the region.

While seeking to avoid expanding the conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel remains prepared for any eventualities.

The situation along the Lebanese border saw renewed exchanges of fire, marking one of the most significant escalations since 2006.

The ongoing crisis has prompted widespread protests in support of Palestinian rights across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Demonstrators emphasized that the issue extends beyond Hamas, focusing on the imperative of protecting Palestinian lives.