Israel Begins Ground Invasion of Gaza Strip

Israel launched a ground invasion of Gaza tonight, sending thousands of troops across the border to destroy Hamas’s tunnel network after rejecting a unilateral five-hour humanitarian ceasefire proposed by the UN.

The Invasion Begins

At 10:30 PM, IDF forces crossed into Gaza at multiple points:

Infantry brigades advancing under artillery cover
Engineering units targeting tunnel entrances
Tank columns providing support
Navy conducting simultaneous coastal operations
Air force providing close support

Trigger for Ground Operation

Tunnel Threat:

13 Hamas militants emerged from tunnel near Kibbutz Sufa this morning
Attempted mass casualty attack thwarted
Dozens of tunnels discovered
Some reaching kilometers into Israel
Used for attacks, kidnapping attempts

Operation Goals

Defense Minister Ya’alon: “We are entering Gaza to hit the terror tunnels. We will not stop until we complete the mission.”

Specific objectives:

Locate and destroy all attack tunnels
Degrade Hamas military capacity
Minimize IDF and civilian casualties
Create conditions for lasting quiet

Initial Combat Reports

Heavy firefights in Shejaiya neighborhood
IDF casualties reported but censored
Hamas using tunnel ambushes
Booby traps and IEDs encountered
Civilians fleeing combat zones

Humanitarian Crisis Deepening

Gaza Statistics (Day 10):

Palestinian deaths: 260+ (mostly civilians)
Wounded: 2,000+
Displaced: 40,000+
Homes destroyed: 1,000+
Infrastructure collapsing

Israeli Statistics:

1 civilian killed by rocket
Dozens wounded
1,500+ rockets fired from Gaza
Economic losses mounting

Hamas Response

“The enemy has made a grave mistake. Gaza will be a graveyard for Israeli soldiers,” Hamas military spokesman Abu Obeida declared.

Hamas tactics:

Tunnel warfare
Urban ambushes
Suicide attacks
Booby-trapped buildings
Human shields allegations

International Alarm

UN Security Council:

Emergency session called
Secretary-General “gravely concerned”
UNRWA warning of humanitarian catastrophe

World Reactions:

US: Reaffirmed support but urged restraint
Egypt: Blamed Hamas, offered mediation
Turkey: Recalled ambassador
Latin America: Several recalled envoys

Civilian Exodus

Thousands fleeing combat zones:

IDF dropped leaflets warning residents
UN schools overflowing with displaced
Hospitals overwhelmed
Critical shortages of medicine, fuel
Border crossings remain closed

Military Analysis

IDF Advantages:

Superior firepower
Air dominance
Advanced technology
Intelligence capabilities

Hamas Advantages:

Tunnel network knowledge
Urban warfare preparation
Local support
Willingness to accept casualties

Historical Context

Previous ground operations:

2008-09 Cast Lead: 3 weeks, heavy casualties
2012 Pillar of Defense: No ground phase
Current operation: Most extensive since 2009

The Road Ahead

Key questions:

How long will ground operation last?
Can tunnels be eliminated without occupation?
Will West Bank explode in sympathy?
Can international pressure force ceasefire?
What constitutes Israeli “victory”?

The ground invasion marks a dangerous new phase with potential for significant casualties on both sides and no clear exit strategy.