The Israeli military has officially commenced a ground offensive in Gaza City, as reports from rescuers indicate that at least 30 individuals have lost their lives across Palestinian territories since daybreak.
Following the resumption of military operations last month and the subsequent end of a brief truce with Hamas, Israel has intensified efforts to control territory in Gaza. The objective, as stated by Israeli officials, is to compel militants to release hostages still in captivity.
In tandem, Israel has ramped up its operations in Syria and Lebanon. Notably, a U.S. envoy was conducting visits in the region just hours after a pre-dawn strike in the port city of Sidon resulted in the death of a Hamas commander.
In Gaza City, the Israeli army reported that ground troops were advancing in the Shujaiya area, aiming “to expand the security zone” established by the military within Palestinian territories.
In the wake of evacuation orders issued by Israel, many residents have fled their homes, as captured by AFPTV footage.
A significant strike on Khan Yunis tragically claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals, according to a medical source from Nasser Hospital in the southern city.
“My grandfather’s house was bombed… without warning,” recounted Ahmed al-Aqqad, a relative of those affected. He expressed deep concern, stating, “More bodies may be buried under the rubble, but we cannot get them out due to the lack of necessary equipment.”
A relative, Diaa al-Aqqad, poignantly urged, “We call on the entire world to stand together to stop the bloodshed.”
In related news, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated on Wednesday that military presence in Gaza would be significantly increased. He emphasized the goal of “destroying… terrorist infrastructure,” and indicated that “large areas” would be integrated into Israeli security zones.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the Israeli army is actively dividing Gaza and “seizing territory” to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining Israeli hostages taken during the attack in October 2023, the event that ignited the ongoing conflict.
Out of the 251 individuals abducted during the Hamas assault, 58 remain hostages in Gaza, including 34 who, according to military sources, are reported dead.
The Israeli military claims that over 600 “terror targets” across Gaza have been struck in the renewed offensive since March 18.
One Israeli strike on Thursday targeted a school that was serving as a shelter for displaced individuals in Gaza City, leading to at least 31 fatalities, including children. “They bombed us with missiles and everything went dark… We couldn’t find our children,” lamented Raghda al-Sharafa, who was sheltering at the Dar al-Arqam School compound in Al-Tuffah, northeast Gaza City.
The Israeli military confirmed targeting a “Hamas command and control centre” in Gaza City, though specifics were not disclosed.
The Jordanian foreign ministry has condemned the bombardments, accusing Israel of “systematic targeting of civilians and displacement centres, in blatant violation of international law.” Moreover, Doctors Without Borders reported the death of their staff member, Hussam Al Loulou, who was killed alongside family members in an airstrike earlier this week. “We strongly condemn his killing and call yet again for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire and protection of civilians,” the medical charity stated.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza noted that since the resumption of intense bombardment, 1,249 lives have been claimed, raising the total death toll since the onset of the war to a staggering 50,609. The initial attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,218 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
In Lebanon, the military wing of Hamas announced the death of its commander, Hassan Farhat, due to an Israeli strike that reportedly hit his apartment in Sidon. The group revealed that both his son, Hamza, and daughter, Jenan, also perished in the attack. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, accusing Farhat of coordinating attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, including a deadly rocket assault on the town of Safed last year.
Lebanon subsequently condemned this “flagrant attack” on its sovereignty. In a bid to mediate the ongoing tensions, U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, was in Beirut for discussions with key officials. Ms. Ortagus had previously faced criticism from Hezbollah for her declarations regarding the group’s influence, and she continues to advocate for a political resolution to disputes along the Israel-Lebanon border.
As the situation unfolds, strategic assessments and diplomatic efforts remain crucial to mitigating further conflict.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
