Israel launches offensive in Gaza Strip

Gaza City/Jerusalem – The Israeli armed forces have launched a new offensive in the Gaza Strip. As the Israeli army announced on Saturday night, extensive attacks and a mobilization of troops have been underway for several days. This is part of the preparations to expand operations and achieve the war aims – including the release of hostages and the destruction of the terrorist organization Hamas. "Israeli troops will continue to operate to protect the Israeli civilian population and achieve the war aims," ​​the statement said. According to informed sources, the Israeli army had recently identified about three or four remaining Hamas locations in the Gaza Strip that could be of particular relevance and had already attacked at least some of them. However, it was initially unknown to what extent these attacks were successful. More than 80 people are said to have been killed in Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip since Wednesday. The total death toll is estimated at several tens of thousands; the Palestinians put it at around 50,000. Israel's ongoing military operations are a response to the attack on October 7, 2023, when approximately 1,200 people were killed by Hamas members. About 240 people were taken hostage, some of whom are still being held. The military operation resulted in the deaths of more than 330 Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip.