Gaza Conflict: Israel’s Military Campaign Continues to Claim Lives
Violence Escalates in Gaza Strip
CAIRO: Israeli tanks pushed into northern parts of the Khan Younis area in the south of the Gaza Strip today, and Palestinian medics said Israeli air strikes had killed at least 20 people across the enclave.
Residents Fleeing Home
Residents said tanks advanced one day after the Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, saying there had been rocket launches from the area. With shells falling near residential areas, families left their homes and headed westwards towards the humanitarian-designated area of Al-Mawasi nearby.
Casualties Mounting
Medics said 11 people were killed in three air strikes on areas in central Gaza, including six children and one medic. Five of the dead had been queuing outside a bakery, they said. A further nine Palestinians were killed by tank fire in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, medics said.
Hospital Under Fire
Israeli forces fired on the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza for the fifth successive day, hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya said, adding that three of his medical staff had been wounded, one critically, last night. "Drones are dropping bombs filled with shrapnel that injure and anyone that dares to move," said Abu Safiya. "This situation is extremely urgent."
Dozens of Houses Destroyed
Residents in three towns – Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun – said Israeli forces had blown up dozens of houses. Palestinians say Israel’s army is trying to drive people out of the northern edge of Gaza with forced evacuations and bombardments to create a buffer zone.
Israel’s Military Denies Allegations
The Israeli army denies this, saying it has returned to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in an area where it had previously cleared them out.
Background to the Conflict
Israel launched its campaign in the densely populated enclave after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities across the border on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s military campaign has since killed more than 44,400 Palestinians, injured many others, and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.
Ceasefire Halted
Israel agreed to a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah last week that halted fighting in a conflict that has unfolded in Lebanon in parallel with the Gaza war. But the Gaza war itself has ground on with only a single ceasefire more than a year ago lasting for a week.
Conclusion
The ongoing violence in Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians, with many more injured and displaced. The international community must continue to pressure Israel to end its military campaign and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation in Gaza?
The situation in Gaza is volatile, with ongoing violence and attacks between Israel and Palestinian militants. - How many people have been killed in the conflict?
Over 44,400 Palestinians have been killed, with many more injured and displaced. - What is the cause of the conflict?
The conflict is rooted in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides having different claims to the land. - What is the current ceasefire situation?
There is no current ceasefire in place, with fighting continuing between Israel and Palestinian militants.