The health ministry in Gaza blamed an Israeli airstrike; Israel, later backed by the U.S., pointed to errant Palestinian militant rocket fire. Hamas and Palestinian militants, in turn, would end rocket fire from Gaza and let the hostages go. Since the attack, Israeli leaders have often suggested that civilians in Gaza bear responsibility for Hamas’s actions. If Israel does launch a ground offensive, it appears likely to first seek to capture or establish a presence in northern and central parts of Gaza, including Gaza City. The view held by most Israeli security cabinet ministers appears to be that Israel will purge Gaza of Hamas and withdraw.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 18, 2023 21:55 UTC