Israeli tanks rolled into southern and eastern areas of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Monday, marking the first such incursion into the densely populated city since the war began more than 21 months ago. The latest military push comes as Israeli officials say they suspect hostages may be held in the area, which is now crowded with thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking shelter.
The Israeli military issued evacuation orders ahead of the incursion, urging civilians to flee westward or southward as it began targeting what it described as Hamas infrastructure.
Despite the warnings, many civilians remained trapped in the embattled zones. Local medical teams reported that tank shelling struck several residential homes and mosques, killing at least three people and injuring multiple others.
READ ALSO: Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School, Leaving 19 Dead (VIDEO)
Further south, in Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike added to the growing civilian toll. At least five people were killed in the strike, including a couple and their two children, who were sheltering in a tent when the missile hit. Medics at the scene described a harrowing rescue operation amid the rubble and debris.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported one of the deadliest days in recent weeks, announcing that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the past 24 hours due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults across the enclave.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Violence Erupts at Epping Protest Outside Migrant Hotel
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with health services overwhelmed and shelter options dwindling. Residents of Deir al-Balah described scenes of panic and despair as families rushed to escape advancing tanks, while others searched for loved ones in the aftermath of the shelling.
As of now, Israeli authorities have not commented on the operations in Deir al-Balah or Khan Younis. The latest developments highlight the escalating intensity of the conflict, with international observers raising concerns about civilian safety and the increasing difficulty of delivering humanitarian aid to those trapped inside the war zone.
Be the first to know. Tap to join us on Telegram.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.