A ground invasion is a military operation that involves troops moving into enemy territory on foot, rather than using air or naval forces. It is a risky and complex operation that can involve house-to-house urban fighting and carries immense risks to the civilian population. Ground invasions are often used when air strikes or other forms of attack have failed to achieve the desired objectives.

In the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip has been proposed as a way to halt rocket attacks by Hamas. However, such an operation would be fraught with risk, including the potential for increasing civilian deaths and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli military has the added task of rescuing hostages held in unknown locations across Gaza.

Ground invasions are typically preceded by heavy bombardment from the air and artillery to shape the battlefield, followed by scout and engineering units to clear lanes through enemy defenses. The opening hours of a ground invasion can be relatively uneventful, with the military focusing on securing the area and establishing a foothold. However, the operation can quickly become intense and dangerous, with troops facing enemy fire and navigating through unfamiliar terrain.