Military operations initiated on Gaza City soil by Israel forces lead to mass displacement of thousands of Palestinians
In a series of heavy strikes on Tuesday, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure. The Israeli military estimates there are 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remaining in Gaza, along with tunnels used by the group.
The offensive has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 69 Palestinians killed in Gaza on Tuesday morning. Al-Shifa Hospital received the bodies of 49 people, including 22 children, while Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Quds Hospital received a combined total of 20 bodies.
Thousands of Palestinians fled Gaza due to the offensive, with many seeking shelter near the coastal road. Trucks charging around $1,000 are transporting people south to an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone.
The operation aims to crush Hamas' ability to fight and take control of the entire city. However, the offensive has likely pushed any ceasefire with Hamas farther out of reach. The Israeli military believes the operation could take months.
International condemnation of Israel's actions has been swift. At a special summit held in Qatar, nearly 60 monarchs, heads of state, and government leaders from Arab and Islamic countries condemned Israel for its attack on Hamas leadership in Doha, Kuwait, and Egypt. They strongly criticized the Israeli military strike on Hamas in Qatar and called for solidarity against Israel's actions.
Egypt's president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, used the term 'enemy' against Israel for the first time since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1979. In a speech at the Qatar summit, he described Israel as 'an enemy,' further highlighting the growing international tension.
The United Nations estimates over 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza over the past month, but hundreds of thousands more have stayed behind. Senator Marco Rubio, an influential American politician, suggested that there might still be time for a negotiated end to the war.
Hamas' military capabilities have been vastly diminished over nearly two years of war. However, the group has said it will only free remaining captives in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Senator Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for its role as a key negotiator in efforts to reach a ceasefire, but did not directly acknowledge an Israeli strike in his statement. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the deadly strikes.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with the fate of a ceasefire uncertain. The international community continues to watch closely as events unfold.
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