October 13, 2023 - Israel At War, Day 7

A humanitarian crisis grows exponentially as a ground invasion will soon begin

Today is October 13, 2023, and here is the latest about what is happening in Israel. If you enjoy these daily updates, and want access to more, exclusive content, or to support my work, then please consider becoming a monthly subscriber by clicking the button below.

We have now entered the seventh day of the war in Israel, and here is everything you need to know. One note before we dive into the news: With war, there is a lot of information that is often difficult to compartmentalize into easily digestible reads. And, with the news moving at a fast pace, news is often missed and information is often interpreted incorrectly at first.

1) Urgent Evacuations Ordered

The Israeli military is urging those in North Gaza to immediately evacuate to the South for their own safety. Overnight, the Israeli military warned those in North Gaza that they have 24 hours to complete their evacuation, and called on the United Nations to remove all staff and personnel from the region. These latest calls for evacuation predate what is likely going to be a lengthy and costly ground incursion into Gaza. Such an event would trigger major ramifications. In response to these evacuation orders, Hamas has told Gaza citizens to remain home. This is not surprising as Hamas uses humans as shields when conducting their terrorist operations. 

If Israel enters Gaza with boots on the ground, expect Hezbollah, a terrorist organization funded by Iran and based in Lebanon, to attack Israel from the North. Also expect Syria to potentially get involved, especially after Israel bombed multiple airports in the country yesterday. As Iran's Foreign Minister stated while visiting Lebanon yesterday, the possibility of multiple fronts being opened up as a result of a ground incursion is increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, Israel is fully ready for a lengthy incursion and has stated that its ultimate goal is to eradicate Hamas off the face of this earth. 

2) Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

As a result of these evacuations, along with the current siege of Gaza, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is growing exponentially. Gaza is home to over 2 million people, currently stuck with little place to go. Many around the world have warned that if North Gaza is forced to evacuate, many will stay because they have nowhere else to go. The United States, Turkey, Qatar, and other nations are working around the clock to open a humanitarian corridor through Egypt to allow refuges to escape. As of this post, Egypt has been unwilling to do so and has only allowed humanitarian assistance to flow into Gaza. With millions of people having no place to go any ground incursion, while possibly necessary, will be costly and devastating. More to come on this as the day progresses. 

3) Fighting in the North Begins as Hezbollah Becomes Active

Meanwhile, fighting in the north has begun this morning as a security incident between Hezbollah and Israeli forces broke out. In addition, artillery fire was briefly exchanged between the Lebanese Army and the Israeli Defense Force along the border. As a result of these strikes, at least one journalist was killed and three others injured in Southern Lebanon as a result of an Israeli artillery or tank shell. In addition, Hezbollah has officially released a statement taking responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces this morning and stating, among other things: "Permission has been given to those who are being fought because they were wronged, and indeed, Allah is capable of granting them victory."

It looks like Hezbollah has either already joined or soon will be joining the war against Israel.  

4) International Day of Jihad

Today is the international day of jihad according to some Hamas leaders. These leaders have publicly called for attacks of terror to be taken around the globe. Thus far, we have seen pro-Hamas rallies break out in many cities. If you live in a big city, please be careful and avoid large crowds, especially those associated with these pro-Hamas rallies. Remain vigilant today. 

Disclaimer: With any war, news and information is often scattered and hard to come by, as we learn more you will be the first to know.