Israel’s Step-by-Step Gaza Offensive Risks Longer Deadly War
- Military aim is to limit army deaths with gradual ground moves
- Hamas use of extensive tunnels complicates war campaign
Flares dropped by Israeli forces above Gaza on Oct. 30.
Photographer: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas is more ambitious than ever before, yet a new long-term military approach aimed at limiting its own casualties may draw further international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ground campaign to destroy those that run the Gaza Strip — following the deadly incursion by the Palestinian militant group into Israel in early October — involves armed forces moving gradually into the crowded enclave while backed up by tanks and artillery.