Deadline passes, over 1 million evacuate Gaza while Israel prepares for ground offensive: 10 key insights

Israel-Gaza conflict: As Israel continues its bombing campaign against Hamas, the United Nations reports that over one million residents in northern Gaza Strip have been displaced.

Here are 10 crucial aspects of this unfolding situation:

1. Israeli Ground Assault Preparations: The Israeli military has positioned armored vehicles on the outskirts of Gaza in anticipation of a ground-based offensive. Israel cites retaliation for the October 6 attacks, which resulted in more than 1,400 Israeli casualties and numerous abductions.
2. Emergency Cabinet Convened: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened an expanded emergency cabinet, including former opposition lawmakers. He expressed determination, stating, "Hamas thought we would be demolished. It is we who will demolish Hamas."
3. Political Decision for Ground Offensive: Israel has stated that any ground offensive on Gaza will depend on a "political decision." In readiness for a potential attack, over 400,000 reservists have been deployed, along with the combined might of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Air Force (IAF).
4. Casualty Toll: The continuous bombardment of Gaza has tragically claimed over 2,670 lives, including more than 700 children. Israel had severed essential services, but water supply to the southern region was restored recently.
5. Hamas Commander Targeted: Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas commander in Gaza, has been singled out by Israel as the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks. Sinwar is referred to as "a dead man walking" by Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Richard Hecht.
6. Tunnel Network Challenge: Israel faces the formidable challenge of rescuing approximately 150 hostages believed to be held in tunnels and underground bunkers by Hamas. The intricate network of tunnels in Gaza could shift the balance in close combat situations.
7. Global Concerns: The Arab League and African Union have issued stark warnings about the dire consequences of a ground offensive, even going as far as to predict a "genocide of unprecedented proportions."
8. Hamas Commanders Targeted: Recent Israeli airstrikes killed top Hamas commanders, including Billal Al Kedra, responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre, and Murad Abu Murad, a senior military commander responsible for Hamas' aerial operations in Gaza City.
9. Northern Border Tensions: Israel faces the possibility of a separate conflict on its northern border with Lebanon after artillery exchanges with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, emphasized a lack of interest in a northern war but warned of consequences if Hezbollah pursues aggression.
10. UN Calls for De-escalation: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged de-escalation and called on Hamas to release all hostages. Guterres also implored Israel to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza, emphasizing the region's critical state. The Rafah border crossing, controlled by Egypt, is expected to reopen to facilitate aid delivery.

- With inputs from agencies

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