Israel has launched new deadly airstrikes on Gaza as the conflict with Hamas enters its fourth month, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing it will rage for “many more months”. Over 22,000 Palestinians have been killed so far in the fighting.
Intensified Bombardment Of Gaza
The Israeli military has intensified its bombardment of Gaza in recent days as troops push deeper into the territory. Airstrikes hit a busy marketplace and refugee camp on January 3rd, killing over 200 people, including dozens of children.
“I have never seen such relentless shelling. Today was the scariest night ever,” said Gaza resident Khaled al-Nabahin.
Israel says it is targeting Hamas military infrastructure and warns civilians to avoid certain areas, but with such dense population Gaza’s 2 million residents have few safe places to hide.
Key Hamas Leader Assassinated
In perhaps the biggest blow yet to Hamas, Israeli forces assassinated a top leader in the group’s military wing in an airstrike on his home January 3rd. Salah al-Din Abu Sharkh was the southern Gaza commander and among Hamas’ most senior figures.
His death may hamper Hamas’ military leadership and coordination of forces, but could also provoke fierce retaliation. The group has already fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel during the conflict so far.
Mounting International Pressure
As the spiraling violence claims more victims, world leaders are scrambling to deescalate tensions and broker a ceasefire. However, diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end hostilities.
The UN has warned of an impending humanitarian crisis and urged both sides to show restraint. Neighboring Arab states including Egypt and Jordan have offered to mediate negotiations.
| Country | Position |
|---|---|
| United States | Has condemned Hamas rocket attacks but says Israel has right to self-defense |
| Egypt | Offered to host ceasefire talks |
| Jordan | Recalled ambassador from Israel in protest of military operation |
| Turkey | Strongly critical of Israel’s Gaza bombing campaign |
Netanyahu Vows To Continue Offensive
Addressing the nation January 1st, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel aims to stamp out rocket attacks from Gaza militants once and for all, no matter how long it takes.
“We will do whatever it takes to restore security for all Israelis,” Netanyahu emphasized. “This operation will expand as necessary, whether that’s days, weeks or months.”
The prime minister, who faces a reelection battle, has seen his approval ratings surge over 30 points since the fighting erupted in October 2023. Over 90% of Jewish Israelis currently back the military campaign.
Troop Advance In Southern Gaza
The Israeli military has made steady progress combing through Hamas-controlled territory in Gaza. Troops are now concentrated in southern areas like Khan Younis and Rafah, going house to house in search of militants and rocket launch sites.
Fierce urban combat has left neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Gaza health officials estimate at least a quarter of Palestinian casualties are civilians, but blame Hamas for embedding military sites in residential areas.
Over 100 Israeli soldiers have also died in the intense street battles and from mortar attacks. Israel is reluctant to get drawn into risky frontline fighting and has so far preferred to use heavy airstrikes.
Hamas Vows To Fight ‘To The Last Man’
Trapped in an ever-shrinking pocket of land, Hamas leaders have exhorted followers to stand firm and keep battling Israeli forces. The militant group still has thousands of fighters and substantial weapon stockpiles secreted throughout Gaza.
“Victory or death!” chanted protesters at a Hamas rally in Gaza City January 2nd, attended by tens of thousands. “We will fight to the last man, to the last drop of blood,” vowed senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
While Israeli troops have destroyed scores of rocket launchers and supply tunnels, Hamas continues peppering Israel with regular barrages. The deeper Israel pushes into densely urban terrain, the higher the risk of military casualties and kidnappings of its soldiers.
Hezbollah Enters Fray Amid Border Clashes
Tensions along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon have also dramatically escalated in recent days. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia, has vowed to retaliate for repeated Israeli airstrikes against its fighters in Syria.
On January 4th, Hezbollah launched rocket salvos into northern Israel and briefly infiltrated across the border before being repelled by Israeli tank and artillery fire. Both sides are signaling they want to avoid all-out war, but the border remains explosive.
Dire Humanitarian Situation
Four months of war have devastated living conditions for Gazans, with power and clean water intermittent at best. Gaza’s health system is overwhelmed trying to cope with treating over 15,000 wounded. Many basic medical supplies like antibiotics and intravenous fluids have run out.
“We are totally exhausted. All we want is peace,” said Dr. Hassan Abu Leila at Gaza City’s main Shifa Hospital, which has been repeatedly struck by Israeli airstrikes. He estimated they are only able to medically treat 30% of incoming patients.
The UN estimates over 150,000 Gazans have been displaced by fighting. Food shortages are also acute, with over 80% of households relying on aid packages.
Israel Demands Gaza Disarmament
Israel has said any Gaza ceasefire deal must include provisions to permanently strip Hamas of its advanced rocket arsenal and destroy the vast tunnel network used to smuggle weapons.
“We must control what goes in and out of Gaza,” Netanyahu emphasized in a national address. “Either Hamas disarms or we will disarm them by force.”
With over 35 tunnels discovered so far, Israel has been surprised by the sophisticated bunkers up to 100 feet underground shielding militants and rockets. Troops have also found anti-tank missiles and explosive suicide drones.
What’s Next?
As the conflict moves into its fourth bloody month with no political solution in sight, there are growing international worries over a potential humanitarian catastrophe and further destabilization of the region.
However, with many key issues unresolved between the implacable foes, a return to sustained calm still appears elusive. Netanyahu has staked his political future on substantially weakening Hamas and promises stern military action for many months ahead.
For its part, Hamas shows no signs of backing down and hopes to inflict rising casualties to undermine Israeli morale for what it sees as a long ‘war of attrition’.
With both sides apparently gearing up for a drawn-out fight and more bitter bloodshed ahead, the chances for peace remain dim at present. International mediators will struggle to get traction as the two camps seem worlds apart in their demands and committed to achieving military victory.
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