Israeli forces intensified their air and ground operations across Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, killing more than 100 Palestinians – including many women and children – including entire families killed in some of the deadliest bombings since October 2023. Hospitals and emergency services reported many victims were women or children.
Al Jazeera reports that according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 103 people were killed overnight from air strikes targeting densely populated areas such as Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Gaza City. Furthermore, Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza ceased operations due to extensive damage and lack of supplies, leaving that region without an operational medical facility. Primari Politico + Wiki
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In one of the most tragic incidents, a drone strike near a school sheltering displaced families northwest of Gaza City killed at least seven people – including children. Meanwhile, airstrikes targeting residential buildings in Deir al-Balah and Zweida town killed multiple residents, including entire families.
Israeli forces have begun an offensive, known as “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” designed to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and secure the release of Israeli hostages. Troops from both northern and southern Gaza will conduct coordinated assaults targeting weapons, tunnels and terror cells associated with Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced that Israel would allow limited amounts of food and medical supplies into Gaza to stave off starvation; however, humanitarian organizations argue that this assistance is far too modest to address the needs of its population; since the conflict began over 53,000 Palestinians have died as a result.
Negotiations efforts for a ceasefire remain deadlocked, as Israel demands the disarmament and exile of Hamas leaders while Hamas insists on complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and permanent ceasefire agreement. Although ongoing talks facilitated by Qatar and Egypt continue between both sides, none have come to an agreement thus prolonging hostilities and worsening humanitarian concerns.
The international community continues to express concern at the increasing violence in Gaza and its impact on civilians. Hospitals in Gaza are struggling under heavy strain from airstrikes and shortages in medical supplies; facilities like the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia were forced to close as damage from airstrikes forced it shut due to damage from airstrikes and supply shortages.
As long as this conflict lingers on, its prospects of peaceful resolution remain tenuous. Military operations and negotiations that fail to progress demonstrate how complex and perilous this situation has become; renewed diplomatic efforts to end violence and address humanitarian needs in Gaza must immediately begin to address their humanitarian crises.