Israel warns of more weeks of clearing operations in Gaza's north

US military officials said their Israeli counterparts tell them to expect more weeks of clearing operations in the north of Gaza before Israel prepares a separate initiative in southern Gaza, widening the offensive, Report informs via the New York Times.

US officials said Israel’s rapid decision to launch ground operations in the enclave left Israeli commanders little time for extensive planning to mitigate risks to civilians and all but guaranteed a high civilian death toll.

Israel blames the high death toll — 12,000, according to the Gaza health ministry, a number that includes both civilians and combatants — in part on Hamas’s decision to hide its military fortifications and command centers in residential neighborhoods and hospitals like Al-Shifa.