Israel has initiated a significant ground offensive on Gaza City, accompanied by intense airstrikes as its troops advance towards the city’s outskirts. This escalation has resulted in thousands of Palestinians being displaced, primarily heading towards a single coastal road that leads to the central area of the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the operation as targeting Hamas’s last major stronghold, while UN human rights chief Volker Türk criticized the operation as “totally and utterly unacceptable.”
A report from a UN commission of inquiry claimed that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Large groups of Palestinians were seen fleeing southward using various means of transport, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimates that around 350,000 individuals have left Gaza City. There are indications that many others remain, with financial constraints and continued airstrikes complicating their ability to seek refuge in southern Gaza. Some individuals have attempted to relocate south but returned due to the lack of suitable spaces for shelter.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that 59 people were killed and over 386 injured within the last 24 hours, with three deaths attributed to famine and malnutrition. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF is targeting terrorist infrastructure and working to secure the release of hostages. An IDF representative indicated that ground troops are moving deeper into the city, with up to 3,000 Hamas fighters still active there.
The UN report presented findings of severe human rights violations, including targeted attacks on children and systematic assaults on cultural and educational sites. The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the onset of Israel’s campaign on October 7, 2023, which was in response to a Hamas attack resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and several hostages taken. The death toll from the ongoing military actions has reached approximately 64,964, with a significant number of victims being women and children. The UN has cautioned that increased military operations may deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c749q1245pwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss