Explainer | What lies ahead as Israel sets sights on southern Gaza in next phase of war?
- Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, which staged a brutal attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis
- A push into southern Gaza poses several challenges for Israel’s military in the next phase of the war
After raiding the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital, Israel appears close to completing its takeover of the besieged territory’s northern sector, which it has described as the headquarters of the ruling Hamas militant group.
But as the military sets its sights on southern Gaza in its campaign to stamp out Hamas, key challenges loom: international patience for a protracted invasion has begun to wear thin, and with nearly 2 million displaced Gaza civilians staying in overcrowded shelters in the south, a broad military offensive there could unleash a new humanitarian disaster during the cold, wet winter.
Here’s a closer look at what could lie ahead in coming weeks.
Two phases
Israel declared war in response to Hamas’ unprecedented cross-border incursion on October 7, when the Islamic militant group killed at least 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage. Israel has set two goals: a return of all hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.
In the first phase, Israel carried out weeks of blistering air strikes across Gaza on what it said were Hamas military installations, many of them in residential neighbourhoods.
Nearly three weeks ago, it launched a second phase – a ground operation aimed at destroying Hamas’ military capabilities in northern Gaza, including an underground tunnel network used to move its supplies and fighters.
The main focus of this phase has been densely populated Gaza City, where Israel says Hamas’ most important military assets are located.