Israeli soldiers have increased their operations in Gaza, going further into the Shejaia neighborhood in the north and deeper into Rafah in the south. According to local locals, the current escalation has killed at least six Palestinians and destroyed numerous homes.
Military Operations in Shejaia
Residents stated that Israeli tanks, which re-entered Shejaia four days ago, were shooting shells at homes, trapping several families inside. The situation is terrible since these folks are unable to flee.
Prime Minister’s Statement
Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of victory against Hamas, an Islamist militant group. “Our forces are operating in Rafah, Shejaia, and throughout the Gaza Strip. Every day, dozens of terrorists are eliminated. “This is a difficult fight that is being fought above ground, sometimes in hand-to-hand combat, but also below ground,” he remarked. Netanyahu stressed that the goals are to remove Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Hamas’s Response
In a display of defiance, Hamas’ armed wing published a video demonstrating the manufacture of anti-tank rocket warheads. Although not immediately authenticated, the video contained recent news footage, indicating its currency. The message at the end of the film stated, “Our preparations are ongoing.”
Israeli Military Reports
The Israeli military announced that its forces in Shejaia had killed several Palestinian gunmen during the last day. They also reported discovering military infrastructure and weaponry at a United Nations school. They also discovered a “terrorist war room” in a clinic, accusing Hamas of utilizing civilian institutions for military purposes—a charge Hamas denies.
Casualties and Destruction in Rafah
Israeli tanks have pushed into numerous sections of Rafah, including an attack on a house in Shaboura that killed six Zurub family members. Their bodies were brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where family gathered to pay their respects before the burial.
Residents also said that the Israeli army had set fire to the Al-Awda mosque, a well-known landmark in Rafah. Israel declared that its operations in Rafah are aimed at eliminating Hamas’ final armed battalions.
Ongoing Conflict and Stalled Ceasefire Efforts
Despite the increased intensity of Israeli operations, militants continue to resist, conducting strikes in places ostensibly under Israeli control. Arab mediators’ efforts to mediate a ceasefire, which were supported by the US, have faltered. Hamas demands a complete Israeli pullout from Gaza, whilst Israel is only willing to agree to short ceasefires.
Background
The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and seizing 250 captives. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military offensive has killed roughly 38,000 people, including many civilians. Israel maintains that more over 300 of its soldiers have been killed in the war, and that at least one-third of Palestinian dead are fighters.
The situation in Gaza is still severe, with continued military operations and a humanitarian crisis harming the civilian population. The world community continues to advocate for a resolution to the war and relief from suffering in the region.
Read More: OSTP Media: Latest Tech, Automotive, and Trending News
Source: Reuters