Title: Intense Battles Rage in Gaza as Israel Intensifies Offensive Operations
The conflict in Gaza has reached its peak, with intense clashes taking place in Gaza City - the fiercest clashes since the start of the ground offensive. While the US has shown concern over the conflict's escalation, Israel persists with its bombardment.
Israel's military has targeted around 250 sites it considers "terrorist targets" in Gaza over the previous day. Troops have been dismantling weapons, tunnel systems, explosives, and military infrastructure. Air and ground forces teamed up to neutralize two rocket-launching pads used against Israel.
Terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were eliminated, and their infrastructures were demolished, the army revealed. A "terrorist cell" operating near a school in the northern Gaza Strip was also destroyed, and a tunnel shaft demolished. Weapons and ammunition were discovered in another school.
Israel's military is engaged in heavy combat against Hamas in Gaza City, which has been surrounded by troops since Tuesday. Troops are now advancing into the city center. Hamas' Kassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, acknowledges participating in the clashes with Israeli troops.
Israel is considering further attacks in Lebanon
The death of a Lebanese soldier reported by UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) marks the first fatality since the Gaza conflict commenced. UNIFIL claims the Lebanese army did not engage in combat with Israel.
Israel is investigating the attack on targets in southern Lebanon that caused the Lebanese soldier's death. While regretting the incident, Israel maintains it wasn't targeting the Lebanese armed forces. Increased skirmishes have been observed between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militia in the border area between northern Israel and southern Lebanon.
Atrocities inflicted on Israeli civilians by Hamas
The Gaza conflict was triggered by the most devastating attack on Israeli civilians in history, orchestrated by Hamas and other terrorists on October 7, near the Gaza Strip border. Over 1,200 people were killed, according to official reports. Hamas's controlled Ministry of Health reported a total of 16,200 deaths in Gaza, although this cannot be independently verified.
During a seven-day truce, which concluded on February 10, about 100 hostages were released. More than 138 remain captive. In exchange, Israel freed around 240 female and minor Palestinian prisoners.
Israel Contemplates Future Attacks in Lebanon
After the death of a Lebanese soldier in southern Lebanon, Israel is investigating an attack by its troops on targets in the area, claiming the Lebanese army was not their intended target.
Increased skirmishes since the Gaza war commenced have been observed between Israel and Hezbollah in the border area between northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Both groups hold hostile views against Israel, with the radical Hezbollah militia and Hamas, the armed wing of Gaza, sharing this stance.
Enrichment Insights
The ceasefire agreement aims to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities, with Israel agreeing to withdraw its troops under certain conditions. The agreement requires Hamas to release hostages and Israel to accept the ceasefire, among other terms. The negotiations experienced setbacks, with both parties accusing each other of violating the agreement's terms.
The conflict has caused significant humanitarian consequences, including the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, and the displacement of a vast majority of the Gaza Strip's population. The ceasefire agreement has been challenged by infighting within the Israeli government, raising concerns that the military operations may resume if not fully implemented.
International efforts to secure a ceasefire have included mediation and diplomacy by the United States, led by Brett McGurk, the France President, Emmanuel Macron, and UAE's Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agreement has been criticized for exacerbating the humanitarian situation due to the ongoing blockade and occupation of Palestinian territory.
