More than a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli invasion that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces, supported by U.S. warships, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighborhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel.
The war that began Oct. 7 has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 dead. The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 wounded. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and at least 199 others, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel.
Currently:
- Water has run out at U.N. shelters across Gaza and overwhelmed doctors at the territory’s largest hospital are struggling to care for patients they fear will die once generators run out of fuel.
- U.S. President Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days, though no travel has yet been confirmed.
- An urban battle during Israel’s 2014 war against Hamas offers a glimpse of the type of fighting that could lie ahead.