Israel has launched a ground offensive in Gaza, which it calls the “second phase” of the war. The objective is to destroy Hamas and rescue the hostages they are holding. The operation is expected to be lengthy and result in the deaths of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians. Israel’s goals are to bring home the hostages and defeat Hamas. The ground operation will take place in four phases, with the second phase being a slow and challenging urban warfare in densely populated Gaza. The extensive tunnel system created by Hamas complicates the operation. Israeli airstrikes have hit population centers and caused civilian casualties. There is also a possibility of the war expanding to the Israel-Lebanese border if Hezbollah joins the fight. Thousands of Israeli troops have entered Gaza, focusing on the north. The fighting will become more dangerous once Israeli forces enter deeper into Gaza City. Phase three will involve clearing pockets of resistance, and phase four is unclear in terms of Israel’s goals. The offensive has had a devastating impact on the Palestinian population in Gaza, with thousands killed and many displaced. The humanitarian aid system in Gaza has been severely affected, and residential buildings have been destroyed. President Biden has called for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law during the offensive, but the US is not directly directing the Israeli military in the operation.