Israel/ PT: Israeli ground operation possible in Gaza Strip over the coming days in conjunction with air and sea operations, as of Oct. 13.

Event

Official reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to launch a ground, air, and sea military operation into the Gaza Strip, potentially in the coming days. Israeli authorities have called up more than 360,000 reservists; many are already deployed along the border with Gaza and the Israeli-Lebanese border. Heavy military equipment, such as tanks and other armed vehicles, have also reportedly been deployed along Israeli borders. A ground incursion into the Gaza Strip will almost certainly occur in combination with increased artillery, airstrikes, and maritime operations.

Just before 23:59 Oct. 12, Israeli authorities gave the UN a 24-hour notice to evacuate more than 1.1 million Gazan citizens into the southern half of the territory to limit civilian casualties during the likely military operation. Authorities have also ordered all citizens living in northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, to evacuate. Reports indicate that evacuation orders were also issued for Sderot and Ashkelon; both cities will likely become military staging posts. Additional evacuations are possible elsewhere. Heightened security measures and disruptions to transport are almost certain around the affected area and could impact evacuation procedures.

Context

The Israeli military operation is in response to Hamas' land, air, and sea attack launched on Israel early Oct. 7. Hamas militants reportedly infiltrated as many as 50 locations within Israel since Oct. 7, shooting at civilians and soldiers while launching thousands of rockets toward the country. Projectile fire has targeted cities in southern and central Israel, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, Sderot, Tel Aviv, and Yavne, among others.

Moreover, the Lebanese militant group Hizballah has launched several rockets and drones against targets in northern Israel. Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ), also claimed responsibility for a ground infiltration from southern Lebanon into northern Israel.

Hamas militants have reportedly taken at least 150 Israelis, including Israeli soldiers, hostage, holding them in and near the Gaza Strip. Casualty numbers continue to increase. As of Oct. 13, Israeli authorities have indicated that at least 1,300 Israelis have been killed and 257 members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Israeli forces have launched major retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,537 people and wounding more than 6,612 in the territory as part of the IDF's Operation Iron Swords. Israeli authorities have also ordered a full siege on the Gaza Strip, cutting power, water, and fuel amid the fighting; internet service disruptions have also been reported.

Advice

Reconsider nonessential travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories until the situation stabilizes. Reconfirm flights and the status of roads and border crossings. Arrive early at airports to allow additional time for processing. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported, or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security personnel.