Israeli Forces Intensify Attacks on Central Gaza, Hinting Apparent Ground Offensive Expansion

Gaza: Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Palestinian refugee camps in central Gaza on Tuesday, signalling a potential expansion of their ground offensive. This move follows the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, prompting Israel to pledge the destruction of the militant group.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire and concerns over civilian casualties, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Monday that the conflict is far from over. The ongoing offensive, marked by heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and Khan Younis, has displaced Palestinians and increased pressure on the already strained territory.

The latest strikes targeted the Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Bureij camps, where residents reported a night of intense shelling and airstrikes. These camps house Palestinians displaced during the 1948 war and their descendants, as well as those fleeing recent conflicts in the north.

Hamas’ military arm, the Qassam Brigades, claimed to have struck an Israeli tank east of Bureij, suggesting Israeli forces are advancing towards the camp. Warplanes and artillery also targeted areas east of Nuseirat camp, causing distress among residents.

The conflict’s repercussions extend beyond Gaza, with an Israeli airstrike in Syria killing an Iranian general. Iran vowed revenge, while US warplanes targeted Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in response to a drone strike on a US base in Irbil.

In Iraq, three American service members were wounded, prompting US airstrikes on locations connected to the main militia, Kataib Hezbollah. The Israeli strike in Syria killed Gen Seyed Razi Mousavi, an adviser to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

As the violence escalates, concerns grow over a potential all-out conflict. Israel faces international criticism for civilian casualties, blaming Hamas for using residential areas and tunnels. In Khan Younis, a house bombing resulted in casualties, further highlighting the humanitarian toll.

The conflict has pushed Gaza’s population into a shrinking area, with over a million people seeking refuge in UN shelters. UN officials warn of a dire humanitarian situation, with a quarter of the population facing starvation due to Israel’s blockade.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Egypt has proposed a comprehensive peace plan, aiming to end the war and outline a post-conflict strategy. The proposal includes a phased hostage release and the formation of a Palestinian government of experts to govern Gaza and the West Bank.