Israel Intensifies Aerial Attacks in Gaza as U.S. Urges Postponement of Ground Invasion for Hostage Negotiations

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On Monday, Israel escalated its aerial bombardment in the Gaza Strip, causing an uptick in the already rising death toll, even as the United States advised Israel to defer an anticipated ground incursion. The delay is aimed at providing additional time for negotiations concerning the release of individuals captured by Hamas militants.

A third small relief convoy from Egypt arrived in Gaza, where 2.3 million residents have been grappling with shortages of essentials such as food, water, and medicine due to a two-week Israeli blockade. With Israel continuing to restrict fuel supplies, the United Nations warned that its aid distribution efforts could come to a standstill in the coming days due to an inability to fuel its trucks. Meanwhile, hospitals in Gaza are finding it challenging to maintain generator power for critical medical equipment and incubators for premature infants.

Widespread airstrikes have resulted in significant structural damage across Gaza, causing fatalities and overwhelming hospitals. Areas designated as safe havens for Palestinians were also targeted. In one instance, a grieving woman was seen holding the hand of a deceased relative following an airstrike in Gaza City. Multiple corpses were visible on the streets.

Israel has indicated its intention to initiate a ground assault in Gaza, stating its resolve to dismantle Hamas following its violent activities in southern Israel on October 7. This raises concerns about a broader conflict extending beyond Israel and Gaza, particularly as Iran-backed militias in the region have warned of potential escalation, including threats to U.S. forces in the Middle East.

The U.S. has cautioned Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups against entering the conflict. Recent days have seen Israeli military actions extending to the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon.

A U.S. official, who requested anonymity, conveyed Washington’s counsel to Israeli authorities that postponing a ground operation could offer more time for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of captives taken by Hamas. It remains uncertain how significantly this will influence Israel’s course of action.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant instructed troops near Gaza to continue preparations for an impending offensive, stating it would involve a multi-pronged attack from air, land, and sea. Although he did not specify a timeline, military assets have been amassed near the Gaza border, and airstrikes have been intensified as a preparatory measure for the next phase of operations, likely to heighten the casualty rate.

According to updated figures, over 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, predominantly civilians, in the initial attacks carried out by Hamas. Additionally, at least 222 individuals, including foreign nationals, were reported as captured by the militant group.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that more than 5,000 Palestinians, including approximately 2,000 minors and 1,100 women, have been killed. These numbers include disputed casualties from a recent hospital explosion and have rapidly increased in the last 24 hours.

In preparation for a possible ground operation, Israel reported hitting 320 militant targets in Gaza over the past day. Despite the high civilian death toll, Israel maintains that its military actions are focused on militant targets and points out that over 7,000 rockets have been fired at Israel since the conflict began.

The situation remains precarious, with global health and humanitarian organizations warning of escalating crises in medical care and essential supply distribution in Gaza.

Contributors to this report include correspondents from Cairo and Jerusalem, with additional inputs from reporters in the Gaza Strip, Washington, Jerusalem, and London.

For more comprehensive coverage, visit AP’s dedicated webpage on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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More about Israel-Gaza Conflict

• Israel-Gaza Conflict Overview
• U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East
• Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
• Hostage Negotiations in Conflict Zones
• Iran-Backed Militias and Regional Conflict
• United Nations Relief Efforts in Gaza
• World Health Organization on Gaza Crisis