Gaza Toll Passes 400 as Israeli Military Recommends Major Ground Offensive

After five days of aerial bombardment against the Gaza Strip, the death toll has finally surpassed 400 while nearly 2,000 are reportedly wounded. The situation in the strip is increasingly dire, and the civilian populace has gone for days without electricity and running water, and supplies are in short supply.

No amount of preparation helped the situation, as those with generators can’t get fuel, and food stocks had already been run down by weeks of import restrictions. Those importing goods through tunnels are no better off, as those tunnels are largely already destroyed, and under continued attack with “bunker buster” bombs. But those hoping a rumored humanitarian ceasefire to allow 48 hours for aid groups to get food and medicine to needy civilians will have to wait, as the Israeli government has rejected the proposal.

With the truce now officially off the table, Israel has moved on with massing troops and weaponry along the border. The wait may soon be offer, as the Israeli military has recommended a major ground offensive into the strip. The military predicts that the rocket fire will continue throughout the invasion, and hopes that the invasion will enable Israel to get more favorable ceasefire terms.