In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military launched its most intense offensive in southern Gaza, targeting the main city of Khan Younis. The operation, now in its fifth week, has seen fierce fighting as Israeli forces, backed by warplanes, penetrated the heart of Khan Younis and encircled the city.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported significant advancements in areas known as Hamas strongholds, including Jabaliya, Shuja’iyya, and Khan Yunis. The IDF stated that their operations aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating Hamas militants. Notably, they claimed control of central Hamas positions in Jabaliya and the discovery of weapons and terrorist infrastructure, some concealed in civilian buildings, including a school.
The al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, confirmed engaging in violent clashes with Israeli forces, labeling the day as the most intense since the beginning of the ground operation. These battles mark a significant escalation since the collapse of the truce between Israel and Hamas the previous week.
General Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the Israeli military’s Southern Command, acknowledged the pitched battles, stating that they were the most intense since the ground operation commenced. The clashes extended beyond Khan Younis, reaching Jabalia, a large urban refugee camp, and Shuja’iyya, east of Gaza City.
Hamas claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the Israeli side, reporting the killing or wounding of eight Israeli troops and the destruction of 24 military vehicles on the same day. The Israeli military, however, listed two troop deaths for that day and 83 since the ground operation began. Meanwhile, Gaza health officials reported a significant number of civilian casualties in an Israeli strike on houses in Deir al-Balah, north of Khan Younis, with at least 45 people killed.
In response to the escalating violence, Israel has been advising Gazans on which parts of the enclave to evacuate through an online map. However, reports from the ground suggest that Gazans feel there is no safe place, with remaining towns and shelters already overwhelmed. Furthermore, Israel’s continued bombing of the areas marked for evacuation has added to the challenges faced by the civilian population.
Amid growing international criticism of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the United States, a close ally of Israel, reiterated calls for Israel to allow more aid, including fuel, into Gaza and to minimize harm to civilians. Despite acknowledging Israel’s partial responsiveness to these calls, the U.S. State Department emphasized the need for increased assistance.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the limited humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, citing intense hostilities in the region. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the dire conditions, stating that shelters were overwhelmed, the health system was on the verge of collapse, and there was a lack of clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and adequate nutrition. Dujarric emphasized that there were no safe places in Gaza, even those flying the UN flag.
In another development, U.S. President Joe Biden made shocking allegations against Hamas, accusing the group of repeatedly raping women and mutilating their bodies during an assault on southern Israel. These claims were cited as the reason behind the collapse of the truce last week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these allegations in a meeting with families of returned hostages, expressing deep concern over the reported cases of sexual assault and brutal rape.
As the conflict intensifies, both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of derailing negotiations. Hamas official Osama Hamdan declared that there would be no more captive releases until Israel ceased its aggression. Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed visa bans on individuals involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, urging Israel to do more to prevent attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for accountability, stating that those involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank would be denied entry into the United States. The U.S. stance underscores the urgency of addressing violence and instability in the region for the benefit of both Israeli and Palestinian populations.
