Casualties crossed 18000 as Israel continued its onslaught in Gaza
Israel’s military persists in conducting airstrikes on southern Gaza, while ground forces and tanks target refugee camps in the enclave’s centre. Tel Aviv had previously cautioned that the conflict with Hamas might endure for an extended period. On Monday morning, Israeli air strikes heavily hit Khan Younis and Rafah in the south, contributing to the ongoing violence. Since the October 7 assault by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, the conflict has claimed the lives of 18,000 civilians and displaced 1.9 million.
The situation is unlikely to change soon, as Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, indicated that the war might extend over months. In central Gaza, Israeli tanks resumed shelling on the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps after overnight strikes caused numerous casualties.
Hezbollah’s threat and Food shortages
On the other side, the efforts to reach a ceasefire has been badly halted by the US who vetoed a ceasefire at Un Security Counsel. US was the only one who voted against the ceasefire resolution while Britain abstained from voting. Israel is also involved in confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon. There have been continuous pressure from Hezbollah to force Israel to a ceasefire.
The latest attacks coincide with displaced individuals seeking refuge near the Egyptian border in southern Gaza, facing severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. The World Health Organization has warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing to eliminate Hamas, receives additional military support from the White House, with a recent emergency approval of a $106 million sale of 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel.
More to read: The escalation between Hezbollah and Israel continues
For the displaced Palestinians, each day of the prolonged offensive brings heightened danger and suffering, with scarcity of food and a collapsing healthcare system. Israel continues its bombardment across the enclave, directing Palestinians to the south of Gaza as an escape from the violence.