“Israeli Offensive Inflicts Heavy Casualties in Central and Southern Gaza, Causes Widespread Destruction – Reuters Reports”
Israeli tanks have advanced further into central and southern Gaza, subjecting residents to intensifying air and artillery attacks. According to reports by Reuters correspondents Nidal al-Mughrabi and Arafat Barbakh, the offensive, which Israel says could last for months, has already resulted in the destruction of much of the enclave.
The recent fighting, centered in al-Bureij, Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Khan Younis, has been accompanied by intense air strikes, leading to a surge in injuries and casualties among Palestinians. According to a senior health official in central Gaza, the past 24 hours have witnessed 100 Palestinian deaths and 150 injuries. Videos and images posted by the Red Crescent showed ambulances navigating through rubble-ridden streets and carrying injured children in the city of Khan Younis.
The relentless bombardment has forced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents out of their homes. Over the past 12 weeks, the assault, which was triggered by a Hamas attack, has resulted in the deaths of at least 21,500 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The conflict’s escalation has raised concerns of its potential to involve Iran-affiliated groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
The offensive has obliterated houses, apartment blocks, and businesses, and has incapacitated hospitals. The ancient Great Mosque and a medieval bathhouse are among the cultural landmarks that have been struck by Israeli strikes. Ziad, a medic in central Gaza, shared his fear of a new Israeli assault on his region, prompting him to plan his family’s evacuation to the border with Egypt.
While the U.S. has called for Israel to de-escalate the conflict and shift to targeted operations against Hamas leaders, there are no signs of it doing so. Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of State has approved the sale of additional artillery shells to Israel without requiring congressional review.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with minimal aid reaching the enclave due to Israel’s near-total blockade on essential supplies. Despite Israeli government claims that it does not restrict humanitarian aid, aid agencies have reported significant challenges in distributing supplies within Gaza.
The recent Israeli offensive against Gaza has sparked international calls for intervention. South Africa has approached the International Court of Justice, seeking an order declaring that Israel is in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The court has been urged to issue measures to halt Israel’s military campaign and protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
Moreover, the conflict has taken a severe toll on journalists, with a Palestinian journalist and his family members being killed in an airstrike in Nuseirat camp. The Committee to Protect Journalists has raised concerns about the apparent targeting of journalists and their families by the Israeli military.
The historical context of this conflict dates back to the creation of Israel in 1948, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who became refugees in Gaza and other locations. The unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its ensuing violence have been a longstanding area of concern for the international community, as the cycle of violence has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with the ongoing conflict exacting a heavy toll on the civilian population, infrastructure, and essential services. International efforts to find a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain paramount in addressing the root causes of the violence and preventing further human suffering.
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