In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, intense fighting erupted in central Gaza on Tuesday.
Witnesses reported Israeli troops entering Gaza from the north and east, engaging in skirmishes with Hamas fighters. An Israeli tank and bulldozer were spotted south of Gaza City, near the main highway.
Israeli airstrikes, a significant aspect of the conflict, continued relentlessly, targeting at least 300 locations across Gaza, according to Israeli military sources. The violence has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge in the southern part of Gaza, overwhelming schools, hospitals, and mosques, as well as private homes. The United Nations reports that a staggering 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes due to the conflict.
Israel maintains that its current military operation is an “expanded” or “new phase” of the war, refraining from terming it a “ground invasion” despite the persistent presence of Israeli troops in Gaza.
In recent developments, Israel claimed the death of Nasim Abu Ajina, a key Hamas fighter responsible for leading the October 7 attacks. These attacks saw approximately 2,000 Hamas fighters infiltrate Israeli territory, resulting in 1,400 casualties and the abduction of hundreds. Abu Ajina was allegedly involved in directing a portion of the assault on two Israeli towns north of Gaza.
Amidst the conflict, efforts to secure a cease-fire face obstacles, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel will not agree to a halt in hostilities. The situation is further complicated by the presence of American hostages held by Hamas. U.S. representatives are engaged in negotiations for the hostages’ release and the safe evacuation of Americans from Gaza. Despite challenges, these efforts remain a top priority for the U.S. government.
For further updates on this developing situation, stay tuned.
