Netanyahu Announces Ground Incursion Amidst Satellite Evidence of Gaza Devastation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that a ground incursion into Gaza is imminent, emphasizing that the ongoing airstrikes were only the initial phase. Recent satellite images unveiled the extensive destruction caused by Israel's bombings in the besieged enclave.

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches a critical stage, characterized by daily airstrikes, an imminent scarcity of life-saving fuel, and severely compromised health services, the international community faces mounting pressure to compel Israel to permit the much-needed aid to enter Gaza. Several countries are now advocating for a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting.

"We are delivering a fierce bombardment on Hamas," Netanyahu declared in a televised speech on Wednesday evening, emphasizing that Israel has "already eradicated thousands of terrorists - and this is just the start."

"Simultaneously, we are making arrangements for a ground invasion," he further stated, clarifying that the timing for such a move would be determined by Israel's War Cabinet.

The prime minister acknowledged for the first time that he will be held accountable for the intelligence failures that led to the worst terror attack in Israeli history. He stated that a thorough examination of the situation will take place after the war. Israel has pledged to eliminate Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, in retaliation for their deadly terror attacks on October 7th, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of over 200 individuals.

The retaliatory air attack by Israel, targeting what they refer to as Hamas "terror infrastructure," has resulted in severe devastation in the densely-populated enclave. This area, which was already referred to as an "open-air prison" by rights groups prior to the current conflict, has now been further ravaged. Recent satellite images, captured by Maxar on October 21, reveal extensive destruction in various locations in northern Gaza. Entire neighborhoods in eastern Beit Hanoun have been leveled, and similar devastation is evident near the Al Shati Refugee Camp, Atatra, and Izbat Beit Hanoun.

Beit Hanoun, Gaza, on May 1

Satellite image ©2023 Maxar Technologies

Beit Hanoun, Gaza, on October 21

Satellite image ©2023 Maxar Technologies

Beit Hanoun, Gaza

SATELLITE IMAGE ©2023 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES

The IDF instructed civilians to evacuate the densely populated northern area of the Palestinian enclave due to the intense bombing. However, bombings have also persisted in the southern regions, leading a CNN producer in Gaza to claim that there is no safe zone.

The Hamas-controlled health authorities in Gaza have reported that the Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 6,400 individuals and left an additional 17,000 injured. This information has been published by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah.

Al Jazeera reported that Wael Al-Dahdouh, the Gaza bureau chief, suffered a tragic loss as his wife, son, daughter, and grandson were killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike. The incident occurred in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, where the family sought refuge after being displaced. Al Jazeera stated that the blast took place in a house, resulting in the death of twelve members of the Al-Dahdouh family, including nine children. The IDF confirmed to CNN that they had conducted an airstrike in the area, claiming to have targeted Hamas terrorist infrastructure.

"Attacks on military targets must adhere to applicable international laws, which entail implementing feasible measures to minimize harm to civilians," it stated.

However, distressing photographs depict Al-Dahdouh as he gazes upon the lifeless bodies of his wife and children at the morgue. In one poignant image, he tenderly cradles his daughter, who is swathed in a pristine white burial cloth.

As of Wednesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that 24 journalists have lost their lives during this conflict. Among them, 20 were Palestinian, three were Israeli, and one was Lebanese, according to CPJ.

Overburdened hospitals, teetering on the verge of collapse, are struggling to cope with the relentless influx of injured individuals on a daily basis. Doctors have consistently expressed to CNN that they do not possess the necessary supplies or electricity to effectively administer essential care to these patients, as well as others reliant on oxygen supplies for survival.

Three children in the rubble of ruined buildings that were destroyed by airstrikes in Gaza on October 25, 2023.

Videos captured by CNN journalists depicted the aftermath of airstrikes, revealing victims wrapped in body bags and gravely wounded individuals, including children, within overfilled hospitals.

Families who escaped to the southern region in an effort to avoid the bombing and are now residing in UN shelters are facing the challenge of overcrowded conditions. These conditions are significantly limiting their access to necessary aid and essential services, while also posing health and protection risks and having a negative impact on their mental well-being. On Thursday, the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) issued a warning regarding this matter.

According to OCHA, a staggering 1.4 million individuals, out of Gaza's population of over 2 million, have been displaced since October 7. Out of these, approximately 629,000 people are currently residing in UN shelters. It is notable that half of Gaza's population comprises children.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza announced on Wednesday that if fuel is not delivered, it will be forced to suspend aid operations within a day. This development would signify the termination of a crucial "lifeline" for civilians. According to Tom White, the director of UNRWA in Gaza, aid workers will be required to strategize and determine which life-saving aid they can and cannot offer to the local population.

"Do we supply fuel for desalination plants that produce drinking water? Can we provide fuel for hospitals? Can we ensure the availability of fuel that is essential for the bread production and feeding of the people in Gaza?" he queried.

Despite nearly three weeks passing since the outbreak of the conflict, the Security Council of the United Nations still lacks consensus on the appropriate course of action to address the crisis. Two conflicting resolutions, proposed by the United States and Russia, both failed to be adopted on Wednesday.

The US draft resolution suggested "humanitarian pauses" instead of a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of aid to civilians in Gaza. Previously, the US vetoed a Brazilian draft that advocated for a humanitarian pause.

After a meeting on Thursday, the European Union is also likely to consider proposing a "brief humanitarian pause" in Gaza, according to a senior diplomat. Various leaders, such as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the foreign ministers of Ireland and Slovenia, have already expressed similar sentiments.

A view of the rubble and ruins of buildings that were demolished in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on October 25, 2023.

Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister expressed hope on Wednesday for a timely breakthrough in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by the militant group, amidst their efforts to mediate with Egypt, the US, Israel, and Hamas.

The hostage crisis is a truly international one.

Israels government press office said 135 hostages - more than half of those being held by Hamas - hold foreign passports from 25 different countries.

There are 54 Thai nationals, 15 Argentinians, and 12 citizens from Germany and the US among them.

Four hostages, two American and two Israeli, have already been freed. Ongoing negotiations are taking place to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, according to Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

US President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that he advised Netanyahu to prioritize the release of hostages in Gaza before considering an Israeli ground invasion. However, Biden firmly responded with a "no" when questioned if he sought guarantees from the Israeli leader to refrain from a ground invasion while the hostages are still held captive.

Content Contributors for this developing story include CNN's Paul P. Murphy, Kareem El Damanhoury, Caroline Faraj, Kevin Flower, Hamdi Alkhshali, Richard Roth, Hande Atay Alam, Tamar Michaelis, Kevin Liptak, and Jennifer Hansler.