Unrelenting conflict grips Gaza as Israeli forces intensify bombardment, ground offensive
Israeli forces have conducted heavy airstrikes on besieged Gaza, focusing their efforts on the southern city of Khan Yunis, where displaced Palestinians sought refuge.
The conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, has left much of northern Gaza in ruins, with air and artillery strikes causing significant damage.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed the deployment of an additional brigade to Khan Yunis, the hometown of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Over 80% of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced, with many living in cramped shelters or makeshift tents in the far south, particularly around the city of Rafah near Egypt.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, prompting UN World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to call for urgent action to address the severe risks faced by the population, including injuries, acute hunger, and the threat of disease.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern over the heavy civilian toll in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for a lasting ceasefire.
Israel, in retaliation for the October 7 attack, has vowed to destroy Hamas, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, AP learnt
Quadruplets were born in the midst of the conflict, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the people of Gaza.
Iman al-Masry, a young mother displaced from the north, gave birth to four infants, one of whom remains in fragile health.
Beyond Gaza, violence has erupted in the Israel-occupied West Bank, with at least 314 Palestinians killed since October 7.
The situation prompted a United Nations report urging Israel to end unlawful killings against the Palestinian population.
The conflict has also heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran blaming Israel for a missile strike in Syria that killed a senior Iranian military commander.
The Gaza war has led to increased cross-border fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and warnings from Israel about stepping up military action.
Amid these tensions, Yemen’s Huthi rebels, another Iran ally, have launched drone and missile attacks at Israel, further complicating the volatile situation in the region.
As the bloodiest Gaza war in history unfolds, the international community faces an urgent call to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a sustainable resolution to the long-standing conflict.
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