Israel’s Ground Offensive

The Story

Israel is in its second phase of war against Hamas.

What’s the situation?

On Friday, Israel carried out its second ground incursion into the Gaza Strip. Its goal: to eradicate Hamas, responsible for killing more than 1,400 people — mostly civilians — on October 7th and kidnapping an estimated 230 others. After three weeks in which the two sides have exchanged thousands of missiles and rockets, Israeli officials said they've brought in tanks and soldiers into Gaza to target hundreds of Hamas sites, including command centers and missile launch sites. Palestinians have described the continuous airstrikes as the most intense since the start of the war. It’s led to a spiraling humanitarian crisis.

Go on.

Over the weekend, Gaza lost internet and cell service for more than 24 hours amid Israel's heavy bombardment. The blackout meant ambulances couldn't function and aid groups couldn't coordinate operations on the ground. People also broke into UN aid offices for access to basic hygiene supplies, flour, and wheat — as aid has been slow to enter the enclave. The Palestinian Health Ministry said more than 8,000 people have been killed since the war began. Meanwhile, many around the world are outraged and afraid as tensions continue to mount.

What do you mean?

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people in Turkey flooded the streets of Istanbul — one of the largest pro-Palestinian rallies since the start of the war. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also gathered in London, Madrid, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, violence has flared across the globe. In Russia, a mob swarmed an airport in search of Jewish passengers fleeing Israel — causing the airport to close down and leaving Jewish communities shaken.