In the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks in Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 166 individuals, with intense fighting occurring in the northern part of the besieged enclave. The Gaza Health Ministry reports a grim toll of at least 20,424 people killed and over 54,036 injured due to Israeli attacks since October 7.
The Palestinian Red Crescent evacuated several dead and wounded individuals after a house was shelled in Deir al-Balah. In southern Gaza, mourners attended the burial of a family of four killed in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis.
Ramzy Aidy, a Gaza resident with a doctorate in law, expressed concern about the collapse of international law, emphasizing that if Israel were in the Palestinians’ position, the world would likely not stand idly by. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the heavy toll on both sides, stating that the war in Gaza exacts a significant price.
The Israeli army has suggested that its forces are close to gaining operational control in northern Gaza after weeks of intense fighting. The focus is now shifting to southern Gaza, particularly Khan Yunis, the birthplace and powerbase of Hamas’ leader Yahya Sinwar, whom Israel holds responsible for the attack that triggered the conflict.
U.S. officials anticipate Israel transitioning its military operations in Gaza to a lower-intensity phase, with a focus on targeted operations against Hamas leadership and infrastructure. The UN Security Council passed a resolution urging humanitarian access to Gaza and conditions for a sustainable cessation of fighting. The resolution, toned down from earlier drafts, received a vote in which the United States abstained.
Both the United States and Israel oppose an immediate ceasefire, citing concerns that it would allow Hamas to regroup and rearm. Israel had declared war on Hamas following the group’s attacks on October 7, resulting in a significant loss of life and the taking of hostages. The commitment to destroying Hamas and freeing hostages remains a key objective for Israel.
