The IDF Reports Numerous Airstrikes In Gaza While The US Prepares For A Potential Increase In Regional Tensions

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli military increases warnings to people of north Gaza and makes ground offensive preparations.
• A military spokeswoman claims that despite Hezbollah assaults, Israel is “strong on defence and offence” in the north, but that Gaza is its “main mission.” The IDF head also claims that both Israel and Hamas are preparing for surprises.

As the Israeli military increased bombings on the Palestinian enclave in preparation for what its spokesperson termed as the “next stage” of its attack on the Islamist group, Hamas fighters and Israeli forces sparred briefly inside Gaza on Sunday.

In an ambush outside the Gazan city of Khan Younis, according to Hamas, its forces damaged two Israeli military bulldozers and a tank, forcing Israeli troops to flee without their vehicles. The Israel Defence Forces stated that its troops were in Gaza at the time of the event and claimed that a tank from the IDF targeted militants who had fired on its soldiers.

The incident looked to be one of the first foot battles between the two sides inside the Gaza Strip since hostilities started following the devastating Hamas onslaught on Israel on October 7 that left more than 1,400 people dead. The fights occurred as the IDF gathered large numbers of troops along the border and bombarded the densely populated enclave with nearly continual bombings over the past two weeks in preparation for a likely ground operation in Gaza.

Several hospitals in Gaza reported being overrun with victims on Sunday, with one hospital calling it a “bloody day” and another cutting back on dialysis treatments due to fuel and energy shortages. According to the Gazan health ministry, more than 4,600 people have died in Gaza since Israel’s response to the Hamas offensive got under way more than two weeks ago.

According to two sources briefed on the discussions, the US government has urged Israel to postpone its ground operations in Gaza so that more Hamas hostages can be freed and supplies can enter Gaza. Indicating the potential release of more of the 200 people said to have been abducted by the militant group since its fatal attacks two weeks ago, two Americans imprisoned by Hamas were freed on Friday.

Although military authorities have regularly warned troops that an invasion is about to happen, Israel has not provided a date for the potential ground offensive against Gaza.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Saturday, “We will step up our strikes, reduce the risk to our forces in the ensuing stages of the conflict, and we will step up the strikes, starting from today. According to Hagari, Israeli soldiers will “continue to destroy terror targets ahead of the next stage of the war, and are focusing on our readiness to the next stage.”

An Israeli Defence spokeswoman said on Sunday that three soldiers were hurt and one IDF soldier was killed while preparing for the ground operation in Gaza.

The US and its allies have cautioned Israel against a protracted occupation and stressed the importance of minimising civilian losses while urging it to be strategic and clear about its objectives during any ground campaign in Gaza.

Speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, the presidents of Spain and the Netherlands reiterated their support for Israel while pleading for caution.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I reiterated my condemnation of Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and its right to defend itself against them, within the bounds of international and humanitarian law.”

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote on X, “Israel must do everything possible to prevent civilians from becoming victims of the fight against Hamas.” Additionally, regional escalation must be prevented at all costs. Additionally, Israel must exercise restraint while using force.

Independent experts from the UN have expressed concern that Israeli activities in Gaza may constitute “crimes against humanity.” “The total siege of Gaza is a breach of international humanitarian and criminal law, as are the mandated evacuations that are impossible to carry out and the forced population transfers. In a statement released on Thursday, the experts added that it is also abominably cruel.

What does this mean for you?

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly conducted 320 airstrikes in Gaza that have targeted Hamas fighters. Israeli soldiers have also engaged in brief confrontations with Hamas rebels inside Gaza as the situation has quickly deteriorated. Amid rising tensions in the region, the US administration has ordered some 2,000 troops to get ready for a potential deployment to the Middle East.