In a bid to end its responsibility over the Palestinian territory, Israel has embarked on a military assault on the besieged Gaza Strip. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant outlined the objectives of the campaign, stating that it would unfold in three phases aimed at establishing a "new security reality." The Israeli government's move comes after Hamas fighters carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in a devastating response from Israel.

With a population of 2.3 million residents, Gaza has been subjected to a strict blockade by Israel since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. As a result, the residents have limited access to the outside world, with Israel and Egypt controlling most of the land and sea boundaries. Israel's comprehensive restrictions on exports, imports, and transit in and out of Gaza, along with Egypt's support of the blockade, have severely impacted the lives of those in the enclave.

The ongoing military campaign, according to Minister Gallant, began with the destruction of Hamas military infrastructure in the first phase. This will be followed by "lower intensity" operations to eliminate pockets of resistance in the second phase. The ultimate goal of the third phase is to relieve Israel of its responsibility for the daily life in the Gaza Strip and establish a new security reality for Israeli citizens.

Since the Hamas attack, Israeli forces have pummeled Gaza with relentless air raids, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths and the destruction of entire neighborhoods, according to Palestinian officials. Israeli authorities claim that at least 1,400 people were killed in the initial attack by Hamas. Concurrently, Israel has imposed a "complete siege" on Gaza, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and fuel.

Amidst expectations of a ground invasion of Gaza, Israel has mobilized hundreds of thousands of military reservists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has exhorted soldiers to fight with full force and "deal harsh blows" to their enemies. However, officials have not provided a timeline for any potential incursion. Experts caution that a ground offensive in Gaza would be incredibly challenging for Israeli forces, particularly given the complexities of urban combat and the presence of Israeli hostages.

The potential consequences of a ground invasion extend beyond the immediate conflict. Iran has expressed concerns that such an action could ignite a wider regional conflict, with groups like Hezbollah in southern Lebanon joining forces with Hamas. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians in Gaza, already facing limited options for safe haven, would be exposed to further devastation if a ground invasion were to occur. Over one million people have been displaced in Gaza, with fears of another mass forced displacement akin to the Nakba in 1948.

As the situation in Gaza remains fluid, the international community closely watches developments in the region, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.