The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached Day 84. Hamas, the militant group from Palestine, has declared its lack of interest in a temporary halt to hostilities. This conflict stems from a retaliatory response after an initial cross-border attack by Hamas, prompting Israel's Defense Minister to express intentions to dismantle Hamas and neutralize its ability to threaten Israel's safety.
This conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, shows no signs of ending soon despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements. The Defense Minister of Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and eliminate its capacity to endanger Israel's security.
Here are major updates regarding this conflict, a response to the initial border aggression:
- Around 85% of Gaza's population, about 2.3 million people, have been forced to leave their homes due to Israel's ongoing air and ground offensive. Fear looms over the southern region of the territory for a similar fate.
- Thursday's bombardment by Israel led to several casualties in cities, towns, and refugee camps across Gaza. The death toll has surpassed 20,000 Palestinians, with a significant number being women and children, as reported by the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The data does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed future steps in the conflict with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, focusing on protecting Gaza's civilians and accelerating humanitarian aid.
- Gallant emphasized the mission to dismantle Hamas, removing its military and governing capabilities. He stressed the necessity for determination and perseverance in these operations.
- Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, reiterated the US commitment to ensuring Hamas can no longer threaten Israel's security. This commitment includes safeguarding Gaza's civilians and increasing humanitarian aid.
- A Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, expressed Hamas' disinterest in a temporary pause in aggression. He indicated openness to complete and final cessation of hostilities against the people in Gaza, mentioning Egypt's proposal. Hamas also stated that any remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza would only be released after a permanent ceasefire.
- A high-ranking general was killed in a suspected Israeli airstrike in Syria, prompting a massive funeral in Tehran, Iran. This incident further highlights the covert conflict between Iran and Israel, with Israel targeting Iran-linked sites in Syria due to Iran's support for militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Approximately 1 in 4 Palestinians in Gaza is facing starvation, according to UN reports. The US urged Israel to spare civilians and allow more aid but has also supported the offensive. However, humanitarian workers note that the amount of essential supplies entering Gaza is insufficient.
- Fleeing Palestinians have sought refuge along the Egyptian border and the southern Mediterranean coastline. Overcrowded shelters and tent camps in these areas are being targeted by Israel, claiming they harbor militants.
- Hamas released a video showing its fighters targeting Israeli tanks and soldiers. In Rafah, near the southern border with Egypt, a recent Israeli airstrike killed around 20 Palestinians and wounded 55. The targeted building reportedly housed displaced civilians, as per local medics and residents.
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