The week-long bombardment of the Gaza strip by Israeli forces and the slowly tightening blockade has left the Palestinian territory into rubble. The Israeli government is adamant, consistent with what its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to do– crush Hamas and transform what he calls an “evil city” to “rubble.”

Various organizations and governments, including Egypt are trying to open the borders especially in Rafa to enable humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. However, Israeli government is not allowing such. It seems that Israel wants Gaza to be on its knees first before a possible ground assault.

At least 360,000 Israeli troops are massing at the Gaza-Israeli border. Many had already commented that a ground assault will spell disaster because the Palestinian territory has two million people–most of them not Hamas. Such an assault would surely result to thousands of deaths, possibly or mostly Palestinian citizens who have no where to go. Israel and the Americans are trying to persuade the international community that they are fighting terrorism, prepping the world to accept a possible brutal treatment of terrorists, ergo, Palestinians.

What’s happening is a tit-for-tat. Israel are outraged with what Hamas did to its citizens. More than 2,000 Israelis, including old folks, women and children, were massacred by marauding Hamas fighters. These horrific scenes are being shown throughout the world to soften reactions for a possible assault to “free” Palestine from Hamas influence. How would this happen, no one knows how. Many analysts say, even if Israel succeeds in eradicating the Hamas leadership, particularly those who masterminded this brutal conflict, the possibility of another radical group arising from the ashes of Hamas looms.

Meanwhile, the only diesel-powered power station of the Palestinians are running out of fuel. Israel has cut electricity supply to the Gaza strip. Food and other stuff are also not being allowed in, yet, what is a grave concern is the supply of medicines and medical supplies. Egypt is coordinating with international organizations to convince the Israelis to at least allow medical aid to enter Gaza.

Many are seeing that this week-long war is just a preclude to a possible regional conflict. The United States thru State secretary Blinken has asked Arab States for a meeting to prevent such a conflict from happening. Several Muslim states have condemned Israel from allegedly implementing apatheid.