In a significant escalation of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their operations in northern Gaza. According to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Israeli forces are currently conducting airstrikes in the area, and IDF troops have reportedly surrounded three hospitals in northern Gaza. These hospitals, which are treating an undisclosed number of civilians, are believed to be hiding places for Hamas militants.
In a strategic move to limit civilian casualties, approximately 80,000 people were evacuated from northern Gaza through designated corridors, as per the IDF. The conflict, which has entered its 34th day, saw the IDF target and eliminate key Hamas figures, including Ahmed Musa, a company commander, and Omar Al-Hindi, a platoon commander, in western Jabalya. This operation, based on intelligence from the IDF and Israel Securities Authority, also led to the death of Mohammed Kahlout, head of the Sniper Array of Hamas' Northern Brigade, and about 19 other Hamas operatives planning attacks against Israeli forces.
The Israeli military has been proactive in its approach, attacking over 15,000 terrorist targets in Gaza and seizing or destroying a significant arsenal of weapons, including firearms, rockets, anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, explosive devices, and ammunition. These operations have aimed at dismantling Hamas' operational headquarters, terrorist infrastructures, logistics warehouses, and individual terrorists.
On the Palestinian side, the Gaza Health Ministry reports the number of casualties has risen to 11,078, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women. However, these figures, which cannot be independently verified, do not distinguish between fighters and civilians. Additionally, the ministry claims that 27,490 Palestinians in Gaza have been wounded.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, now in its deadliest phase, has also seen civilians fleeing the combat zone in northern Gaza. Many have taken refuge in and around hospitals, with families sleeping in various hospital areas or even on the streets outside. Amidst these desperate conditions, the World Health Organization reports that 20 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are no longer functioning, including a pediatric hospital providing critical care like dialysis and life support.
The rising death tolls and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have drawn international attention and concern. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged the significant loss of life and suffering among Palestinians, calling for more substantial steps to minimize civilian harm. Despite these challenges, Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire, vowing to continue the war until Hamas is completely neutralized.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the violence and suffering on both sides.
