ISRAEL/GAZA: Israel bombarded hundreds of sites in Gaza on Monday from the air while its soldiers engaged in combat with Hamas militants during raids into the embattled Palestinian territory. The situation for the civilian population is horrifying, with death tolls rising.
Gaza’s health ministry reports 436 deaths from bombardment in the last 24 hours, primarily in the heavily populated area.
The Israeli military claimed to have hit over 320 targets in Gaza, including missile launchers, command stations, and a tunnel used by Hamas militants.
As aid struggles to reach Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, European officials appeared to be joining the UN and Arab countries in demanding a “humanitarian pause” in hostilities.
The UN reports that Gazans lack access to food, water, medication, and shelter due to the relentless shelling.
The conflict in Gaza escalates with Israeli jets attacking Hezbollah strongholds in south Lebanon, a group affiliated with Israel’s adversary Iran, and Hamas. Skirmishes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in the West Bank continue, with Hamas launching more rockets into Israel.
Israel claims its midnight incursions have improved its combat readiness and served as a means of gathering intelligence. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that the raids aim to eliminate terrorist groups preparing for the next phase of the conflict.
Hamas’s branch, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, reported that two bulldozers and a tank were destroyed and forced to retreat after their fighters battled an Israeli force in southern Gaza.
The Al-Qassam Brigades are reportedly attacking Ashkelon and Mavki’im in southern Israel, causing alert sirens. Israeli forces are fighting against a group with a large arsenal, aided by Iran, in densely populated areas and tunnel systems.
According to the UN humanitarian office, over half of Gaza’s population, or 1.4 million people, has been internally displaced, with many taking refuge in congested UN emergency shelters. Israel has commanded Gazans to evacuate the northern region, but the lack of shelter and increased shelling in the south are pushing many evacuees back north.
The Israeli military targeted two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon, preparing to fire missiles at Israel. An observation post and the Hezbollah compound were also targeted. The Palestinian Authority health ministry said that two Palestinians were killed at the Jalazone refugee camp.
The UN reports that aid arrivals only make up 4% of daily averages before hostilities. European Union leaders will demand a truce for aid passage, supporting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Arab countries also support a truce.
Also Read: Israel Launches Airstrikes on Gaza and Lebanon Overnight, PM Netanyahu Gathers Generals
