Following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military has successfully encircled Gaza City, the stronghold of the Hamas militant group. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed this encirclement, stating that fierce ground battles are currently underway within the Palestinian territory. The move comes as the latest phase in Israel's efforts to root out Hamas terrorists.
Gaza City, Hub of Hamas, Now Completely Surrounded: Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari addressed journalists, stating, "Israeli soldiers have completed the encirclement of Gaza City, the epicenter of the Hamas terror organization." Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from various world leaders, the intense ground battles have continued in the Palestinian territory since Friday evening. Additionally, the Israeli Army has reported the destruction of multiple Hamas installations and infrastructure during its advance toward Gaza.
US Urges Humanitarian Pauses, Israel's Response
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to allow humanitarian pauses during its military operations against Hamas. However, Israel has not relented and has even threatened to sever ties with Gaza, potentially impacting Gazans working in Israel. The exact number of people affected by this decision remains unclear, but it is known that Israel had issued work permits to approximately 18,500 individuals from Gaza before the outbreak of the conflict.
Hamas's Provocation and Israeli Response
The current conflict was ignited when Hamas launched a massive rocket attack on Israeli territory on October 7. Subsequently, Hamas militants crossed into Israeli border cities, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and the taking of numerous hostages who remain captive in Gaza.
Hamas's actions have led to the death of around 1,400 people in Israel, along with the taking of 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in approximately 9,000 deaths in the Palestinian territory, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This ongoing conflict has also caused the displacement of thousands of residents. Notably, Israel has commenced ground operations in Gaza over the past week.
UN Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe
Amid the intensifying conflict, the United Nations has issued a stark warning of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The organization has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow essential aid and food to reach the civilian population in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
More Updates:
Day 28 of Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israeli Troops Surround Gaza City - Updates
Israeli Forces Surround Gaza City, Reject Ceasefire Appeals