Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip escalated as airstrikes pounded Jabalia in northern Gaza, accompanied by continued ground clashes. The conflict has led to a surge in casualties, with both Israeli forces and Gaza health authorities reporting a rising death toll. Israel asserts near-complete control over northern Gaza and signals plans for a broader ground offensive against Hamas.
Jabalia residents describe relentless aerial bombardment and shelling from Israeli tanks, which reportedly advanced deeper into the town. The situation has exacerbated the already dire conditions in the region, with tens of thousands wounded, numerous bodies possibly trapped under rubble, and nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants displaced.
Gaza health ministry spokesman announced a grim toll, stating that 166 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours alone, pushing the total Palestinian death toll to a staggering 20,424. The scale of human suffering is immense, with a humanitarian crisis unfolding, exacerbated by the widespread displacement of civilians.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military reported nine soldiers killed in the preceding day, bringing the total combat losses to 155 since the commencement of the ground incursion in response to Hamas’ actions on October 7. The daily toll represents one of the highest for Israeli forces during the ground assault.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the heavy toll during a cabinet meeting, emphasizing the difficult circumstances but asserting the necessity to persist in the conflict. The White House revealed that U.S. President Joe Biden and Netanyahu discussed the Israeli campaign, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and allowing them to move safely away from conflict zones. The leaders also stressed the imperative of securing the release of remaining hostages.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis include mediation by Egyptian and Qatari officials seeking to end the violence. A delegation from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, holding captives in Gaza, arrived in Cairo for talks aimed at halting what they referred to as “Israeli aggression.”
Despite reports suggesting U.S. influence on Israeli decisions, particularly regarding potential expansion to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Netanyahu dismissed such claims, reiterating Israel’s sovereignty and asserting that operational considerations drive their decisions in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with regional and international stakeholders grappling to find a resolution and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
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