Inside the Intense Battlefield: Unveiling the Reality of an Israeli Ground Assault in Gaza

"Take cover!" whispered the medic from the front seat as our ambulance neared the Israeli checkpoint.

As we drew closer, I caught sight of tanks lined up next to the road, with edgy Israeli soldiers brandishing their firearms.

In January 2009, the CNN crew joined a convoy of ambulances traveling from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip to Gaza City along the coastal road. The medics permitted us to accompany them, but only if we concealed ourselves on their stretchers.

Referred to as "Operation Cast Lead" by Israel, this marked the beginning of a series of conflicts between Israel and Gaza. Subsequent flare-ups occurred in 2012, 2014, 2021, and 2022. Before the current operation in Gaza, there was another one that took place in May.

After a brief conversation with the medics in the leading ambulance, the soldiers allowed us to pass without inspecting the ambulances.

This Israeli ground operation in Gaza was the most extensive since the withdrawal from the Strip in 2005. During that time, Israeli troops predominantly avoided densely populated areas, especially the eight congested refugee camps in Gaza. They understood the potential dangers of navigating through narrow alleys in camps like al-Shati, which was known for its high population density. Their main objective was to secure the outskirts of urban areas.

Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on Saturday.

Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

What is Hamas and why is it attacking Israel now?

Israel has always employed a strategy of swift movement and territorial control, while avoiding street-by-street and house-by-house combat where the enemy can exploit the terrain. However, entering urban areas in Gaza would introduce a completely different dynamic to the conflict.

Currently, Israeli forces are in conflict with Hamas. Nevertheless, Gaza is populated by various armed Palestinian factions, such as Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), to name a few. Although these groups may lack the manpower and weaponry of Hamas, they are numerous enough to pose a significant resistance.

In March 2008, I traveled to Gaza to report on an Israeli incursion into the northern region, known as "Hot Winter," which aimed to halt rocket attacks from Gaza. At that time, Hamas controlled the Gaza Strip after expelling the rival Fatah faction the previous year. However, upon my arrival in the area where Israeli forces were advancing, I discovered that it was not Hamas fighters but rather militants from the PFLP who were engaged in street battles with Israeli troops. These militants moved swiftly, utilizing rocket propelled grenade launchers and Kalashnikov assault rifles as they evaded through alleys and crossed streets. The young men seemed exhilarated as they finally had an opportunity to confront Israeli forces on their own turf. Eventually, the Israelis withdrew, but the rocket attacks persisted.

Looking back to the summer of 1982, when Israel invaded Lebanon to target the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Israeli forces successfully reached Beirut but halted their advance on the outskirts. They established a siege reminiscent of the approach recently announced by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. It was already evident during that time that entering Beirut, particularly the Palestinian refugee camps, would have resulted in a grave and deadly mission for all parties involved.

Following the siege, West Beirut was relentlessly attacked by Israeli warplanes and artillery, although ground troops refrained from entering Beirut proper.

Eventually, due to American pressure, an agreement was reached for Palestinian fighters to evacuate Beirut and Lebanon, relocating to Yemen, Tunisia, and other destinations. Only after their departure did Israeli troops assume control of the western section of the city. Subsequently, in September 1982, with West Beirut under Israeli control, the Israeli military, led by Defense Minister Ariel Sharon at the time, permitted their right-wing Christian Lebanese allies, the Kataib, to enter Sabra and Shatila refugee camp and brutally slaughter over a thousand defenseless civilians. This tragedy occurred as the men of fighting age and their weapons had already departed, as part of the deal brokered by the United States with the PLO.

In Gaza City, early on October 9, 2023, Palestinians survey the wreckage caused by Israeli airstrikes, specifically the leveled Ahmed Yassin Mosque. Israel has relentlessly targeted the Gaza Strip during ongoing clashes with Hamas. The death toll resulting from the conflict against the Palestinian militants has exceeded 1,100 casualties. (Photo by MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images)

Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images

Before and after images show Gaza mosque devastation

The Israeli military has mobilized 300,000 reservists to potentially conduct an unprecedented operation in Gaza. There are speculations that this could involve a re-occupation of the enclave, following the surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday. This attack resulted in the death of over 1,000 people in Israel. Despite the brutality demonstrated in the Saturday attack, Hamas has exhibited a higher level of military capability than previously believed, indicating their readiness for the upcoming phase of this conflict.

Israel has launched numerous aggressive attacks on Gaza since the weekend, resulting in the destruction of buildings and loss of life. Many Palestinians, including innocent civilians, have been killed so far, and this is only the beginning of the war.

If a ground operation occurs, it will be even more brutal and cause greater destruction. Israeli forces must consider the presence of over a hundred Israelis, including soldiers, civilians, and even women and children, who are being held captive by Hamas. The exact location of these hostages is unknown to anyone outside of Hamas, but it is likely that they are in heavily populated refugee camps or other challenging areas for Israeli forces to access.

As eager as Israels leaders may be to deal a fatal blow to Hamas, it will come at a very high price. To all.