JERUSALEM/GAZA: Israel's military has rallied after an initial chaotic scramble to halt an assault by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and is retaliating with airstrikes on roads, buildings and other sites in Gaza while sending huge reinforcements towards the enclave.
To many of the 2.3 million residents of the strip of land that Israeli forces quit in 2005, the mobilisation and intense bombardment look ominously familiar: the prelude to a ground invasion and one that may match, or even eclipse, Israel's incursions in 2008 and 2014.
One Israeli security source told Reuters a ground offensive now looked inevitable.
"People feared the bombardment of the border area was a tactic to create scorched earth before tanks advance," said Yamen Hamad, a father of four who fled with his family and others from Beit Hanoun near Gaza's north border, where blast craters have made roads impassable and buildings nearby have been turned into rubble.
Israeli security sources said it took more than 48 hours to restore military cohesion, halt infiltrations and clear Hamas fighters from towns they stormed on Saturday in an operation that caught the Middle East's most powerful army off guard.
Using a web of deception and relying on motorbikes, paragliders and other basic equipment, Hamas fighters killed more than 1,000 Israelis and took scores of hostages - a move that potentially complicates any Israeli response.
But Israel's retaliation has nonetheless been fierce. The death toll from airstrikes on Gaza was at least 830 people on Tuesday and, according to U.N. figures, more than 180,000 had been made homeless.
One Israeli security source, who like others declined to be named, said he believed an Israeli ground invasion was "not preventable because of the heavy price that we paid. This will be after airstrikes by the air force."
'YOU CANNOT JUST ENTER'
The source said the objective was "softening the other side and within this, causing people to flee (built up areas). It is also about building force strength, strategy and surprise. You cannot just enter."
Smashing up roads has been a typical tactic in the prelude to two previous Israeli ground assaults in Gaza, disrupting communications and the movement of Hamas and other groups. When Israel enters, residents say its forces often bulldoze new routes for their vehicles to avoid landmines in existing roads.
But sending troops into a densely packed, urban environment is not an easy choice, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows "mighty revenge" in response to the huge death toll meted out by the Hamas fighters in the worst breach in Israel's formidable defences since Arab armies attacked in 1973.
Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council, said airstrikes in Gaza "seemed very similar to previous Israeli operations" but that these tactics had not neutralised Hamas in the past.
A ground offensive could more effectively kill Hamas fighters and destroy the chain of command, Eiland said, but added: "The government is still reluctant in taking such an initiative because it might involve many, many more Israeli casualties."
Urban warfare erodes Israel's overwhelming superiority in firepower, pitting it against a group which is more battle hardened from previous conflicts and increasingly well-equipped by Iran. The group, which took power in Gaza in 2007, has also had years to build a network of tunnels, which helps fighters melt away. Israeli troops sometimes call it the "Gaza Metro".
In 2008, Israel lost nine soldiers during its incursion. In 2014, the number killed soared to 66.
This time, Hamas also has dozens of hostages it seized in the Oct. 7 operation - some of them soldiers but many civilians. It presents a huge challenge for a nation whose principle is to leave no one behind. In 2011, it agreed to exchange hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who had been held captive for five years.
'PAY A HEAVY PRICE'
"Israel knows the great preparedness of the resistance factions and their ability to handle ground incursions," said Talal Okal, an analyst in Gaza who writes for the daily Al-Ayyam newspaper, saying Israel may yet hesitate over a land assault.
"It wants to make Gaza pay a heavy price but I don't think it is prepared to pay the heavier prices should they enter Gaza," he added.
Even as Israel masses forces on Gaza's border and mobilises hundreds of thousands of reservists, the government has not said whether or not it will send in troops.
Gaza residents said on Wednesday more roads were among sites hit overnight, including a key coastal road. Israel's military said targets included what it said was a Hamas surveillance camera network, weapons storage and manufacturing facilities and tunnels used by operatives.
Asked about a possible land invasion, Israeli military spokesperson Major Amir Dinar said: "We are striking Hamas infrastructure and we are going to strike hard and keep striking." He did not elaborate.
The Israeli prime minister's office and Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
Two Hamas spokespeople were not available for comment for this article.
A Palestinian fighter official, who declined to identified, said: "There is a history between 2008, 2014 and 2023. The resistance is no longer the same or that under-equipped."
"We are always prepared. If Israel sends more soldiers in, they will either become bodies or hostages," the official added.
Hamas has already proved to be a tougher and more capable force than Israel had expected by launching its Oct. 7 attack.
The Palestinian operation marked a massive intelligence failure for Israel, which has prided itself on its ability to infiltrate and monitor fighters. It also exposed weaknesses in Israel's southern command.
"The communication and command of the south collapsed and there was no communication. It took time to understand the full picture," said David Tzur, a former head of Israel's Border Police force who also commanded the police's elite counter-terror unit Yamam. But the said force had now recovered.
"Once all forces are on alert there is a quick reaction."
Reuters
Wed Oct 11 2023
A view shows houses and buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 10, 2023. - REUTERS
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.