Israel launches multifrontal attack on Gaza; Summary of this second

The Israeli Prime Minister rejected calls for a ceasefire,stating that the advance of the armed forces in Gaza puts pressure on members of Hamas who he calls 'enemies'.

Smoke and flames rise during an Israeli airstrike in western Gaza - Photo Reproduction / Reuters

Israeli troops and tanks began a military operation this Monday (30) in Gaza City, which is the largest and most densely populated area of ​​the Gaza Strip, using both ground and air forces, according to official Israeli sources. In the north of the Gaza Strip, Israeli armored vehicles were observed operating in the vicinity of the Mediterranean Sea coast. Gaza residents report that there have been attacks from the sea.

Eyewitness accounts described Israeli tanks blocking the main north-south thoroughfare of Salah al-Din, located south of Gaza City, and conducting operations in the areas surrounding the Zaytun district and Shejaiya neighborhood, within the city limits. of Gaza. The blockade of the main road, if confirmed, suggests that Israeli forces are seeking to isolate Gaza City from the south, effectively encircling and isolating the urban area stretching north towards Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia.

The Multifrontal Attack

According to Israeli authorities, the recent attacks on Gaza, launched from multiple fronts, including air, land and naval actions, aim to dismantle the military capabilities of the extremist group Hamas, which exercises control over Gaza. Israeli authorities claimed to be searching for members of Hamas who were hiding in a complex network of tunnels beneath the city. According to military forces, in recent days, attacks have hit more than 600 targets associated with Hamas.

On Friday night (27), Israel launched a broad intervention in Gaza, reiterating the call for civilians to move from the north to the south. However, many Palestinians chose to remain in Gaza City, fearing losing their homes. Terrified by the attacks, most sought refuge among thousands of injured people.

Civilians Seek Refuge in Hospitals

Hospitals in Gaza play a vital role in the current crisis, as well as providing refuges for civilians seeking protection from attacks. With many areas affected, hospitals have become places of refuge not only for the sick and injured, but also for entire families who have been displaced.

The Red Crescent, which is the branch of the NGO Red Cross focused on Muslim-majority nations, received notifications from the Israeli government to evacuate all people from Al-Quds Hospital, located in northern Gaza. According to the Red Crescent, approximately 14 thousand individuals sought refuge in the hospital facilities. The following Monday, the organization released a video showing events that took place near the hospital.

In turn, the international organization ActionAid issued a warning about the critical situation in which hundreds of patients are trapped in Al-Quds Hospital, amid a series of intense and constant bombings in the vicinity of the hospital. According to ActionAid, in addition to the patients, more than 12 thousand displaced people find shelter in the hospital's corridors and courtyards and there are hundreds of patients who are unable to survive a trip to the south.

Humanitarian Implications

The crisis in Gaza has serious humanitarian implications. Thousands of people had to abandon their homes, often with nowhere to go. Furthermore, the interruption of essential services, such as electricity, water and medical care, further worsens the situation. Lack of food and medicine is also a growing concern as supplies are limited due to instability in the region.

A total of 26 vehicles, carrying food and medical equipment, crossed the Rafah border into the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent statement issued on Monday. Since October 7, only 144 vehicles have delivered supplies to the Palestinian humanitarian organization.

Stop fire

Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of ​​a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that "this is a time for war". During a press conference presented in English this Monday, the then Israeli Prime Minister declared that the advance of the Israeli armed forces in Gaza created opportunities for the release of hostages, something that, according to him, Hamas would only do under pressure.

Hostages

Hamas released a video featuring three Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza, apparently with the aim of increasing pressure on Netanyahu's government. Netanyahu's office identified the hostages as Daniel Aloni, Rimon Kirsht and Elena Trupanov. The families of these individuals held a press conference in Tel Aviv, returning to the Red Cross who made an effort to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. Furthermore, they asked US President Joe Biden to do everything or everything in his power to bring everyone back home.

In a nighttime operation, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas was rescued from Gaza, as announced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Ori Megidish, a private in the Armed Forces, was released on Sunday night, three weeks after being kidnapped along with more than 220 other hostages. After undergoing a medical examination that declared her to be in good health, she was able to reunite with her family.