Lyse Doucet and Jon Donnison, BBC correspondents, discuss the encirclement of Gaza City by Israel and the potential consequences of this development. They explore the challenges of urban battles, the battle for Gaza City, tactics employed in the conflict, the emotional struggle of hostage families, and the beauty and challenges of life amidst the conflict.
The capture of Gaza City by Israeli forces would be a significant achievement, but the question remains of who will govern Gaza once Hamas is removed.
The conflict in Gaza is causing immense destruction and suffering for civilians, with many unable to leave their homes and facing a dire humanitarian situation.
Deep dives
Israeli forces encircle Gaza City
The Israeli Defense Forces have encircled Gaza City in a significant step that increases the pressure on Hamas. Israeli military leaders have warned that the battle for Gaza City will be tough and prolonged. The capture of Gaza City would be a significant achievement for the Israeli forces, but the question remains of who will govern Gaza once Hamas is removed. The potential political solutions for Gaza's future are uncertain.
Urban warfare in Gaza City
As Israeli forces approach Gaza City, they are entering a densely populated and built-up urban area. Gaza City is densely packed with gray concrete buildings and tightly packed neighborhoods. The destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes has taken a toll on the city, leaving some neighborhoods almost completely destroyed. The fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants is expected to intensify as they engage in street-to-street and house-to-house combat.
The plight of civilians and foreign nationals in Gaza
The conflict in Gaza is taking a heavy toll on civilians and foreign nationals trapped in the region. Many civilians have been unable or unwilling to leave their homes despite Israeli evacuation orders. Thousands of people are sheltering in hospitals, UN schools, and other safe zones. Foreign nationals, including Americans, are desperately seeking ways to escape the violence. However, leaving Gaza means leaving loved ones behind and the fear of never being able to return home. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including food and water shortages, adds to the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict.
Israel's military says it has "completed the encirclement of Gaza City" and has been attacking outposts, headquarters and other Hamas infrastructures there.
We look at what Israel taking the area would mean for the next stage of the war.
REPORTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Jon Donnison, BBC correspondent and former BBC Gaza correspondent
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or email theconflict@bbc.co.uk
This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Alex Lederman in Jerusalem and Emilia Jansson in London. The studio manager was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor was Neal Razzell. The senior news editors are Sam Bonham and Jonathan Aspinwall.
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