Israel Vows to Persist in Southern Gaza Conflict
December 2, 2023According to a report, Southern Gaza faces “the same fate” as the northern region, which was decimated by Israeli airstrikes before a temporary ceasefire between Israel’s military and Hamas forces. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, the international spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, stated that the ongoing offensive aims to eradicate Hamas at any cost. He emphasized that allowing Hamas to continue governing Gaza would pose a significant threat to Israeli civilians. Despite an increase in aid delivered during the ceasefire, over one million people have sought refuge in southern Gaza, where there are severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. The vital aid delivery route through the Rafa crossing is targeted for further Israeli airstrikes. Conricus warned that civilians who remain in the Khan Younis or Rafah areas will be in danger of attacks similar to those in Gaza City. In an effort to protect civilians, Israeli authorities have designated a “safe zone” in Al-Mawasi, a coastal strip previously occupied by an Israeli settlement. Conricus noted that while this is the best available solution, it may not be perfect due to space and infrastructure limitations.