Israeli troops launch brief ground raid into Gaza ahead of expected wider incursion

Israeli troops initiated a ground raid into northern Gaza following more than two weeks of devastating air raids. This move aimed to prepare the battlefield ahead of a widely expected ground invasion.

The UN’s warning about depleting fuel supplies in Gaza raised concerns about a worsening humanitarian crisis. It could affect relief efforts and basic services like power generation, desalination, and hospital equipment.

The conflict in Gaza has led to a dire humanitarian situation. Residents are running out of food, water, and medicine. A significant portion has been displaced, with many crowded into U.N. shelters.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 6,500 Palestinian casualties, including disputed figures from a hospital explosion. In Israel, over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the initial Hamas attack.

Israel allowed some aid trucks to enter from Egypt, but the supply remains insufficient. Fuel deliveries are still barred. UNRWA has been sharing its fuel supply to maintain vital services.

More than half of Gaza’s primary healthcare facilities and a third of its hospitals are no longer operational. The lack of medicine and clean water has led to high infection rates and the need for amputations.

The conflict has broader regional implications. Israel struck military sites in Syria in response to rocket launches. There have been exchanges of fire with Iranian-backed Hezbollah across the Lebanese border.