One Year of Israel’s War on Gaza: Expanding Ground Offensive in Lebanon

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One Year of Israel’s War on Gaza: Expanding Ground Offensive in Lebanon

As the conflict between Israel and Gaza marks one year, Israel’s military operations have intensified, now extending beyond Gaza into Lebanon. Amid escalating violence and widespread global condemnation, Israel has launched new offensives in southwestern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and positions in the region.

Israel Expands Ground Offensive into Lebanon

Israel announced that it is broadening its “limited, localized, and targeted operations” into southwestern Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), its 146th Division has been tasked with conducting these military operations, primarily targeting Hezbollah positions. This division, which traditionally served as a defensive regional brigade, is now actively engaged in Lebanon. It has previously been deployed across northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the occupied West Bank.

The expansion into Lebanon includes collaboration with the 213th Artillery Brigade, intensifying the conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border. While initial ground incursions were focused on the eastern border region, the current offensive has shifted towards the southwestern area of Lebanon. Despite global appeals for restraint, Israel’s actions signal a continued escalation of the conflict.

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Despite international pleas from rights groups and humanitarian organizations, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza remains relentless, inflicting devastation on civilians. Over the past year, indiscriminate airstrikes and ground operations have left a lasting toll on the civilian population, claiming the lives of entire families and decimating infrastructure.

Staggering Casualty Figures

In Gaza, an estimated 97,303 people have been injured, equating to roughly one in every 23 residents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 22,500 of these individuals have sustained life-altering injuries, many of which require urgent rehabilitation. However, due to the ongoing siege and a lack of medical supplies, proper care remains unattainable for most of the injured.

A particularly horrifying statistic provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reveals that, on average, 10 children in Gaza lose one or both legs each day. These amputations are frequently carried out without proper anesthesia due to the severe shortages of medical supplies, further exacerbated by Israel’s blockade.

A Devastated Landscape

The scale of destruction in Gaza is overwhelming. More than 10,000 people are feared trapped or buried beneath rubble as rescue efforts face enormous challenges. Civil defense workers and volunteers, with minimal resources, are often forced to use their bare hands to clear debris and attempt to save those trapped beneath the ruins.

An estimated 75,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped on Gaza, resulting in more than 42 million tonnes of debris. Experts warn that it could take years to clear the region, and with much of the debris contaminated by unexploded bombs, the risks remain high for residents and rescue workers alike.

Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse

Israel’s attacks on Gaza’s hospitals and healthcare facilities have decimated the region’s medical infrastructure. At least 986 medical professionals have been killed in the bombardments, including 165 doctors, 260 nurses, and 184 health associates. The relentless targeting of medical facilities has left hospitals struggling to function, with many completely out of service.

Among the healthcare casualties, a significant number of frontline workers, including 85 civil defense workers, have lost their lives. These losses have severely hampered efforts to treat the injured and manage the overwhelming health crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Starvation and the Denial of Aid: A War Crime?

Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, intentionally starving a population during an international armed conflict is classified as a war crime. Investigations have revealed that Israel has been systematically blocking humanitarian aid and access to clean water for Gaza’s population, further worsening the already dire conditions in the region.

A report by Al Jazeera’s “Fault Lines” team uncovered evidence that Israel has consistently denied aid to Gaza, preventing much-needed food, water, and medical supplies from reaching civilians. Stacy Gilbert, a former US State Department official, confirmed that both aid agencies and the U.S. government have documented Israel’s obstruction of aid deliveries.

The Global Response and Calls for Justice

Despite mounting evidence of war crimes and widespread condemnation, the international response to the ongoing crisis has been largely ineffectual. Calls from human rights organizations for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access have been ignored, as Israel continues its military campaigns both in Gaza and Lebanon.

As the conflict enters its second year, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Global efforts to mediate the situation and hold those responsible accountable are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and restore peace to the region.

Conclusion: A Dire Need for Peace and Accountability

The one-year mark of Israel’s war on Gaza underscores the immense human cost of the conflict. As Israel expands its military operations into Lebanon, the violence in Gaza continues unabated, leaving behind a devastated population and infrastructure. The international community must intensify efforts to push for a resolution, ensuring that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable and that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need.

The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the atrocities being committed in Gaza and Lebanon. It is a moral imperative to act swiftly to end the violence, support the victims, and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.