Israel has dramatically escalated its military operations across the Gaza Strip, with intense fighting reported in multiple areas including Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. The Israeli army announced the completion of a two-week operation in the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, claiming to have destroyed eight Hamas tunnels and eliminated dozens of militants. However, the offensive has come at a severe cost to civilian life and infrastructure.In a particularly devastating incident, the Israeli army confirmed an attack near the Alawda school in Khan Yunis, where at least 29 people were killed and over 50 injured. The school was being used as a shelter by displaced Palestinian families. The Israeli Defense Forces stated they are investigating reports of civilian casualties in this attack.The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. Water treatment plants in northern Gaza have stopped functioning due to fuel shortages, exacerbating the already dire conditions for civilians. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that the death toll since October 7, 2023, has now reached at least 38,295, with 88,241 injured.Amid the intensifying conflict, the United States is considering resuming the delivery of heavy bombs to Israel, including 500-pound bombs. This decision comes despite growing international concern over civilian casualties and calls from the United Nations for the unconditional protection of civilians in Gaza.Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing in Qatar, with mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar meeting with Israeli officials. However, significant obstacles remain, including Israel’s refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire while Hamas remains intact.The conflict, now in its 279th day, shows no signs of abating. As Israel continues to urge mass evacuations from various parts of Gaza, the UN warns that these orders have a severe negative impact on humanitarian assistance and only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian families.
Key points
- Israel has intensified military operations across Gaza, completing a two-week operation in Shujaiya.
- An Israeli attack near a school in Khan Yunis killed at least 29 people and injured over 50.
- The US is considering resuming delivery of heavy bombs to Israel, despite international concerns over civilian casualties.
- Ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar, but significant obstacles remain.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with water treatment plants stopping due to fuel shortages.
Contradictions👾While Israel claims to be targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure, the high civilian death toll and attacks on shelters raise questions about the precision and proportionality of these operations.
👾The US consideration to resume heavy bomb deliveries to Israel contradicts international calls, including from the UN, for increased protection of civilians.
