IDF Ground Offensive to Likely Move South

What's the story?

• Israel has dropped leaflets in four towns in southern Gaza, warning people to flee, sparking fears that the ground invasion could spread to areas previously designated safe.
• The flyers said:

"For your safety, you need to evacuate your places of residence immediately and head to known shelters … Anyone near terrorists or their facilities puts their life at risk, and every house used by terrorists will be targeted."

What Israel is saying

• Israel believes that Hamas infrastructure, including vast tunnel networks, remains intact in the south. They also claim some of Hamas' top commanders are in the region.
• Herzi Halevi, the Israeli army's chief of staff, says ground operations will expand:

"We are close to dismantling the military system in the northern Gaza Strip. As far as we are concerned – more and more regions [will be targeted]."

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday:

"There is no place in Gaza that we will not reach. There is no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for the murderers of Hamas."

• Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general, said:

"You cannot really destroy Hamas without taking the whole Gaza Strip. It's not possible."

Growing concerns

• International approval of a protracted invasion seems unlikely, with global ceasefire protests attracting thousands and leaders like Biden calling for a two-state solution.
• As nearly 2 million people are displaced, humanitarian organizations worry that a ground offensive in northern Gaza could create a broad humanitarian crisis, particularly as the region is heading into its wet winter season.

Are you worried about expansion of the war?

-Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: AP via VOA)