Israel Launches New Ground Operations Across Gaza
Israeli forces moved into areas of northern Gaza once again over the weekend, while the military issued fresh evacuation orders for Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south. Israeli strikes have continued across the strip, with one reportedly killing at least 26 people and wound...
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Facts
- Israeli forces moved into areas of northern Gaza once again over the weekend, while the military issued fresh evacuation orders for Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south. Israeli strikes have continued across the strip, with one reportedly killing at least 26 people and wounding 93.[1][2]
- With Monday marking the first anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, Hamas fired a salvo of rockets at Tel Aviv. Over 130 rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon on Monday, and a ballistic missile was fired at Tel Aviv from Yemen.[2][3][4]
- On Sunday, Hezbollah fired rockets at the northern Israeli city of Haifa, injuring 10 people. The city's mayor said that the attack was 'the first real hit in the city' since the war began. Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs occurred soon after.[5]
- Israel also issued evacuation orders for over 20 towns and villages in Lebanon as it is reportedly sending more troops into the country. Israeli forces have not pushed very deep into Lebanon as of yet, but satellite imagery has confirmed that Israeli forces have established positions near UN peacekeepers in the country.[6]
- Israel ordered Irish peacekeepers deployed to the border area to withdraw, but they refused. Irish President Michael D. Higgins claimed that Israeli forces threatened the peacekeepers, adding that the peacekeepers would remain in their positions.[7]
- US Vice Pres. Kamala Harris released a statement on Monday condemning Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. The statement also recognized the 'scale of death and destruction' in Gaza since the attack took place, calling for a cease-fire.[8]
Sources: [1]Reuters, [2]Al Jazeera, [3]Timesofisrael, [4]The Express Tribune, [5]FOX News, [6]New York Times, [7]UK Defence Journal and [8]Washingtontimes.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by New York Times. Though the situation in the region continues to escalate, the US has stood firm in its role as a mediator. Israel has every right to respond to the daily terror attacks it has seen since Oct. 7. However, it's in no one's interest for tensions to explode into a wider regional war. The US will continue to work toward regional stability.
- Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Tabletmag. Amid ongoing terror from Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran, the world has turned its back on Israel. Whole stretches of the region have been taken hostage by Iran-backed terror groups while Israel is fighting to liberate the Middle East. Indeed, Israel does not only have a right to defend itself — it has a right to win.
- Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Israel is bombing several countries in the Middle East yet continues to play the victim. As it commits genocide in Gaza and works to destroy Lebanon — all in the name of 'remaking the Middle East' — it will only create more problems for itself. Indeed, Israel's aggression is only strengthening the resolve of its enemies and pushing the civilian population into their arms.
- Narrative D, as provided by Almayadeen. Hezbollah and Lebanon have experienced immense suffering for supporting Palestine against Israel's genocidal actions, yet the group will continue its noble fight. Hezbollah opened a support front with Israel to stand in solidarity with Gaza which has faced a genocidal Israeli campaign. Its attacks will end when Israel withdraws from Gaza. Nonetheless, Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.
