Status: 29.10.2023, 11:27 a.m.
By: Maximilian Kurz
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Israel: The ground offensive has reportedly already begun. © Funke Foto Services/imago
A "second phase" of the war against Hamas has begun, according to the Israeli government. The hostage relatives are demanding an exchange of prisoners.
Tel Aviv – The Israeli military has intensified its operations in the Gaza Strip. The main goal, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu, is, among other things, to weaken Hamas' military capabilities and return hostages. According to recent reports, a ground offensive has already begun. Former Navy SEAL Commander Daniel O'Shea fears that such operations could have an impact on the hostage negotiations.
Ground Offensive Appears to Have Begun – Impact on the Release of Hamas Hostages
Any military operation obviously complicates the negotiations, O'Shea said. "I wouldn't say that the military operations are simplifying hostage negotiations, but that they are endangering the lives of all people, including the hostages," the commander told CNN.
Qatar and Egypt should help as mediators to secure the release of the hostages. However, Majed Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, told CNN that rising tensions are making negotiations much more difficult.
Israel intensifies ground operations in the Gaza Strip
In the night from Saturday to Sunday, Israel had intensified its ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu drew parallels, declaring that Israel is engaged in a "second war of independence" that is difficult and protracted. He referred to the conflict from 1947 to 1949, known as the Israeli War of Independence. According to army reports, Israeli ground troops entered the northern part of the cordoned-off coastal strip on Saturday night.
In contrast to previous actions, this time the tank units remained on the ground longer. Infantry units, armored troops, engineer corps and artillery are deployed. The military is increasingly trying to attack underground structures and terrorist facilities.
Second phase of the war in Israel apparently started
According to the plans of the Israeli government, during the "first phase" it was planned to secure the border area into which Hamas had advanced and to damage its infrastructure through bombing raids, reported ZDF correspondent Michael Bewerunge from Tel Aviv. At the same time, the "second phase" should be launched. The Chief of the General Staff stressed on Saturday evening that this ground offensive had been gradually expanded. However, it remains to be seen what exact strategy is behind this.
Hamas Abducts Hostages in Gaza Strip: Relatives Call for Prisoner Exchange
On Saturday, Netanyahu met with the families of the hostages. So far, the military has informed 230 families about their loved ones in captivity. It is believed that this number could still rise. More than 200 people were kidnapped in Hamas' attacks a few weeks ago.
The relatives of the hostages spoke out in favor of a prisoner exchange and suggested that Israel release all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Netanyahu said that such exchanges were under discussion, but that public discussions about the terms could hinder implementation.