The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) declared last night that Gaza has been encircled and divided into two separate parts: north and south. The majority of the fighting is in northern Gaza, where Hamas has concentrated its bases and arms. This is a significant new stage in the war, which has so far escalated gradually.
The gradual advance of the IDF ground troops had several aims. It allowed Palestinian civilians to move from northern Gaza to the safer south, close to the border with Egypt where limited humanitarian aid has been entering the strip. The majority of civilians have now moved to southern Gaza, but several hundred thousands have remain in the north. Some are worried that they won’t be safe in the south. Others have, according to some reports, been forced by Hamas to stay so that the terror group can use them as human shields. The IDF is keeping a route open for those still in the north to move south.
The intensification of the war also reflects Israel’s concern that its allies may run out of patience
Avoiding an attack by mass ground forces earlier in the war also applied gradual pressure to Hamas in the hope that they agree to release hostages.
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