Israeli forces are advancing towards urban areas in northern Gaza, escalating from limited raids to a full-blown ground invasion. This poses new dangers for terrified civilians who are unable to leave their homes. Israel’s chief of staff, Gen. Herzi Halevi, stated in a news conference that troops were surrounding Gaza City from several angles. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that a hospital in the south of Gaza City had been hit by gunfire from Israeli military vehicles, injuring two civilians. Updates on Israel’s ground offensive are not readily available, as journalists cannot enter Gaza, and there are regular communications blackouts. However, interviews with residents and experts, along with videos and satellite imagery, indicate that a bloody operation is underway. Israeli forces are attempting to divide the enclave by cutting off the northern area from the south. Simultaneously, they are pushing from the east and northwest towards Hamas’s stronghold in Gaza City. The initial incursions targeted tunnels and eliminated explosives, preparing the way for armored columns as Israel strives to breach Hamas’s defensive lines. The IDF reports that 20 soldiers have been killed in the last 72 hours, accounting for over a quarter of the total casualties in Israel’s 2014 war in Gaza. As reservists take over positions in the staging grounds encircling Gaza, front-line troops venture deeper into the enclave. The IDF’s aerial assault has already caused significant devastation in Gaza, resulting in over 9,000 Palestinian fatalities, including more than 3,000 children. With forces now on the ground, an Israeli artilleryman stated that civilian safety is a secondary concern. The IDF aims to prioritize the security of its troops. Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties, claiming that the group intentionally embeds fighters and infrastructure within residential areas. Israel is yet to hold territory in Gaza City despite being at its gates. The motion is, however, clearly towards the city. The fight that awaits Israeli troops there was foreshadowed in the Jabalya refugee camp, east of Gaza City. Forces had been operating there for several days, during which an Israeli armored vehicle was hit by an anti-tank missile, causing several casualties. Israel then launched an airstrike on Jabalya, targeting Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari, resulting in a significant number of casualties, mostly civilians. Despite repeated calls for civilians to leave the north, many have remained due to a lack of means or fear of danger. The scenes in Jabalya were reminiscent of the notorious 2014 Gaza war battle in Shujaiya. Satellite imagery indicates that Israeli forces are also pushing from the northeast, and footage shows troops moving towards Gaza City along the coast. Israeli missile boats have also struck explosive-laden buildings and observation posts.