Escalating Violence in Gaza

In the latest development in the month-long war, the Israeli army has cut off northern Gaza from the rest of the territory, subjecting it to heavy airstrikes. This move is seen as preparation for impending ground battles with Hamas militants in Gaza’s largest city.

Rising Death Toll

According to the Health Ministry of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the Palestinian death toll has now exceeded 10,000. However, the ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. On the Israeli side, approximately 1,400 people have died, with the majority being civilians killed during the Hamas incursion on October 7 that ignited the ongoing conflict.

This war has become the deadliest instance of Israeli-Palestinian violence since Israel’s establishment 75 years ago. Israel continues to express its intent to remove Hamas from power and eliminate its military capabilities, suggesting that the fighting is far from over.

Urban Combat Anticipated

Casualties are anticipated to surge as the war shifts towards close urban combat. Israeli troops are reportedly expected to enter Gaza City soon. Given their years of preparation, Palestinian militants are likely to resist fiercely, engaging in street-to-street fighting and potentially launching ambushes from an extensive network of tunnels.