Fears Grow of Wider Conflict as Gaza Operations Intensify and US Ships are Targeted
Israel has escalated its ground offensive across Gaza, extending military operations to every part of the strip. The expansion follows the evacuation orders issued by Israeli authorities, targeting the southern regions of Gaza. This move is seen as an intensification of Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas, which it has vowed to remove from power following the deadly attack on Israel on October 7.
Heavy bombardment ensued after the evacuation orders, with Palestinians in Gaza struggling to find shelter in the already overcrowded and sealed-off territory. The United Nations estimates that around 1.8 million people in Gaza have been displaced, with nearly one million seeking refuge in 99 UN facilities in the south. Humanitarian conditions continue to worsen as basic supplies, including medical resources and fuel, run out.
Meanwhile, fears of a broader regional conflict have been heightened after a US warship and multiple commercial vessels were targeted in the Red Sea. The Pentagon confirmed the attacks, which were attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, though they did not confirm targeting the US Navy ship. These developments, along with ongoing military operations in Gaza, have raised concerns about the potential for further escalations in the region.
The Health Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported that more than 15,500 people have died since the conflict began, with many more wounded. While the majority of the casualties are civilians, aid groups continue to call for an end to the violence, with the UN human rights chief describing the civilian suffering as unbearable.
As Israel continues its military campaign, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the operations will persist until all goals are met, including the removal of Hamas from Gaza. Despite previous ceasefire efforts, talks about further humanitarian pauses seem unlikely to resume under the current circumstances.
