Israeli troops briefly raid northern Gaza to ‘prepare’ for an expected full-scale incursion

Israeli troops conducted the raid in northern Gaza to “prepare the battlefield” before an expected ground invasion. They engaged with Hamas fighters and targeted anti-tank weapons as part of their preparations amid ongoing tensions.

The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for more than two weeks, characterized by devastating airstrikes. It began after Hamas initiated hostilities with attacks and hostage-taking in southern Israel, leading to a military response by Israel.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The region has been under a suffocating siege, resulting in shortages of food, water, and medicine for residents. U.N. workers are struggling due to a lack of fuel for relief missions, and over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced.

The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that over 7,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, although this figure cannot be independently verified. The conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties, including civilians.

Several international actors, including the U.N. and world leaders, have expressed concern about the crisis. Some Arab countries, including U.S. allies, have called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to civilian casualties.

The conflict threatens to escalate into a wider regional war, with Hezbollah in Lebanon also involved in clashes with Israel. Israel aims to weaken Hamas’s capacity to govern Gaza while avoiding reoccupation, but the situation remains complex and long-term solutions are needed.

International aid organizations are struggling to provide assistance due to access issues. While some aid has been allowed through, it is considered insufficient to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.