Israel’s Prime Minister Announces New Phase in Gaza Conflict, Warning of Prolonged and Challenging Operations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared during a Saturday evening press conference that Israel is entering a “second phase” of its military campaign against Hamas. This phase involves an escalation in ground, air, and sea operations, with a more expansive ground invasion of Gaza being considered for the near future.

“This will be a lengthy and challenging struggle,” Netanyahu stated, adding, “We are prepared.”

Communication systems within Gaza have largely been incapacitated due to heavy Israeli bombardment, isolating the territory’s 2.3 million inhabitants from the global community. This tactical blackout also allows Israel to dominate the messaging about the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli Defense Forces disseminated blurry images on Saturday that showcased the movement of tank divisions in open terrains within Gaza, notably close to the territory’s borders. They also confirmed airstrikes targeting Hamas’ subterranean infrastructure, including tunnels and bunkers. The underground facilities have been a focal point in Israel’s strategy to incapacitate Hamas following its recent violent foray into Israeli territory.

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Mounting domestic pressure calls for Israel’s government to prioritize the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7. Relatives of the hostages met Netanyahu on Saturday and indicated a willingness for a prisoner exchange involving Palestinian prisoners in Israel, a proposition also suggested by a Hamas spokesperson.

Netanyahu assured that the ongoing ground operations aim to bring back the hostages, stating, “This new phase of the conflict is directed at crippling Hamas’ military and governance structures while ensuring the safe return of hostages.”

Earlier in the conflict, Israel had amassed a significant military presence along the Gaza border. Up until now, troops had undertaken short-term nocturnal ground sorties before retreating back into Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death toll has reached over 7,700, with 377 deaths occurring since late Friday. Most casualties have been women and minors.

According to the ministry’s spokesman, Ashraf al-Qidra, the communication breakdown has caused a complete halt in the healthcare system. Locals are unable to call for emergency services, and responders are forced to follow the sounds of artillery and airstrikes to locate those in need of aid.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens

An estimated 1,700 individuals are believed to be trapped under debris, the Health Ministry said, based on distress calls received. With medical resources strained, residents have resorted to using their bare hands to extract victims from rubble, employing personal vehicles for emergency transport.

Israel maintains that its military actions target only Hamas militants and their infrastructure. However, they also argue that the group operates within civilian communities, thus placing them at risk.

The World Health Organization has made an urgent appeal to halt the hostilities. “Morgues are at capacity. Over half of the deceased are women and children,” their statement read.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated existing difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid, further compromising living conditions in Gaza.

The intensified military operations also place the fate of hostages in question. During a public assembly in Tel Aviv on Saturday, relatives of the hostages pressed the government to prioritize their return over military objectives.

The situation remains fraught with complexity and uncertainty as international efforts to mediate continue.

Reported by Magdy in Cairo. Contributions from Samya Kullab in Baghdad.

For complete AP coverage, visit Big Big News.

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