Gaza Under Fire as Israel Launches Ground Offensive, Killing at Least 51
A wave of violence has gripped the Middle East, with Israel launching a ground offensive in Gaza, killing at least 51 Palestinians, including women and children, The Associated Press reports, citing Palestinian medical officials.
The operation, which began early Wednesday morning, comes amidst escalating tensions with Lebanon and Iran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The Israeli military conducted heavy airstrikes and ground operations in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second largest city, causing widespread destruction and leaving many trapped beneath rubble. Residents described scenes of chaos and devastation, with first responders struggling to reach those injured. The Health Ministry in Gaza confirmed at least 51 fatalities, with 82 others wounded, including seven women and 12 children, some as young as 22 months old.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the operation.
This latest escalation follows weeks of intense fighting in Gaza, where Israel has continued to target what it claims are Hamas militant sites.
In Lebanon, Israeli troops have carried out ground incursions against Hezbollah fighters, leading to clashes in the border town of Odaisseh. Hezbollah claims its fighters forced Israeli troops to retreat, though there has been no independent confirmation of this claim. Israel has deployed thousands of troops and artillery to the border, and has warned residents in 50 villages and towns to evacuate.
Adding to the volatile situation, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night. Israel responded with airstrikes on alleged Iranian military sites in Syria. This exchange of fire has further raised concerns about a wider regional war that could potentially draw in the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.
Amidst the escalating violence, Israel took further action against the United Nations, declaring Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata and banning him from entering the country. Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Guterres of failing to unequivocally condemn the Iranian attack, despite the Secretary-General’s statement condemning the “broadening of the Middle East conflict” and calling for a cease-fire.
