Israel Intensifies Ground Operations in Gaza as UN Calls for Humanitarian Truce – Reuters

By James Mackenzie

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli air and ground forces intensified their assaults on Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Friday, as the militant group reported clashes with Israeli troops near the border.

The United Nations General Assembly strongly supported a resolution proposed by Arab nations that calls for an immediate humanitarian truce and demands access for aid to the besieged territory, along with protection for civilians. Although not binding, the resolution carried considerable political significance, receiving 120 votes in favor, 45 abstentions, and 14 votes against, including those from Israel and the United States.

Local telecom companies and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society indicated that internet and mobile phone services had been disrupted in Gaza. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for Israel’s military, stated in a televised briefing that the country had intensified its attacks in Gaza, focusing on tunnels and other infrastructure. He hinted that ground forces were beginning to expand their operations, potentially signaling the start of a long-anticipated ground invasion.

Hamas militants reported clashes occurring in Beit Hanoun in northeastern Gaza and in the Al-Bureij region. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from commenting specifically on the expanded ground operation but reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself, stating that there were no imposed limits on Israel.

An adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel was commencing retaliation against Hamas, declaring that the situation in Gaza would represent the consequences of their actions. He assured that Israel would keep targeting Hamas until their military capability and political structure were dismantled, projecting that Gaza would emerge significantly transformed by the end of the conflict.

Following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the abduction of over 200 others, Israel has executed an aggressive campaign of aerial bombardment in Gaza. Humanitarian groups warned that a ground invasion would worsen the existing crisis, with Palestinian health authorities claiming that more than 7,000 Palestinians have been killed since the bombardments began.

COMMUNICATIONS IMPACTED, CALL FOR ‘HUMANITARIAN PAUSE’

Paltel, the largest telecommunications provider in Gaza, announced a total loss of telecommunication services, including landlines and mobile connections, due to the relentless bombardment. The Red Crescent Society reported a complete loss of contact with its operations in Gaza. Additionally, organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières expressed concern for the safety of medical staff and patients at health facilities, including Al Shifa hospital.

UNICEF’s head voiced anxiety over the inability to communicate with their staff in Gaza, stressing the perilous situation faced by over one million children in the area and emphasizing the necessity for protection for humanitarian workers and the vulnerable populations they serve.

While Israel signaled an escalation of military actions, the White House acknowledged the importance of a pause in hostilities to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, fuel, and electricity. Kirby noted that should the resolution of the hostage situation involve a temporary halt in military activities, the U.S. would support that approach.

The planned ground invasion has been met with calls from the U.S. and Arab nations to delay, given the potential for a significant increase in civilian casualties within the densely populated strip. Concerns about the possibility of a broader Middle Eastern conflict have escalated, resulting in U.S. military reinforcements in the region amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas supporters in Lebanon and Syria.

Oil prices jumped nearly 3% to their highest point in a week, reflecting fears that the continuing tensions could disrupt global crude supplies.

Israeli officials have reiterated their commitment to eradicate Hamas, the Islamist group governing Gaza since 2007, and to eliminate those responsible for the October 7 attacks, disregarding humanitarian pleas to protect civilians.

DEVASTATED INFRASTRUCTURE, POWER LOSSES

The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure, which has faced a blockade by Israel and Egypt since 2007. The bombardments have left many parts without power for several days, compromising medical facilities and limiting access to fresh water. Reports indicate that around half of Gaza’s housing stock has been damaged, with about 20,000 residential units destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Palestinians have received renewed military warnings to evacuate from northern Gaza to the south to escape the most intense fighting. However, many families have hesitated to leave, recalling past experiences where displacement led to permanent separation from their homes and land.

The complexity of military operations in Gaza is further compounded by the need to secure Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and Syria, where there have been ongoing skirmishes. Israeli and U.S. officials have issued warnings to Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon to refrain from involvement, while Washington has deployed two aircraft carriers to reinforce this message.

Hamas has spent years fortifying its defenses, and following the recent conflict, the Israeli military has informed international news agencies of their inability to ensure the safety of journalists working within the Gaza Strip, which faces continuous bombardment and siege.