Israeli tanks launch a first-ground assault on Deir al-Balah amid intense strikes throughout Gaza
Israeli tanks advanced into Deir al-Balah on Monday, triggering lethal strikes amid rising concerns for displaced Palestinians and hostages.
Israeli tanks initiated their first ground assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday, escalating a military campaign that has now reached its 22nd month. Columns of smoke ascended above the city, as airstrikes relentlessly struck the densely populated area.
The area hosts thousands of displaced Palestinians who escaped from southern Gaza. Israeli authorities suspect that hostages taken by Hamas could also be located in the region. In response to an evacuation order from the Israeli military, hundreds of civilians sought refuge further west or south.
Local medics reported that tank shelling hit houses and mosques in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians and injuring several others. In the meantime, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, located in the south, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a couple and their two children, who were residing in a tent, as reported by medical sources.
The Gaza health ministry, managed by Hamas, reported in its daily briefing that at least 130 Palestinians had lost their lives and over 1,000 were injured due to Israeli gunfire and military strikes throughout the territory in the last 24 hours — marking one of the deadliest single-day tolls in recent weeks.
The Israeli military has yet to provide an official statement regarding the events in Deir al-Balah or Khan Younis. Israeli sources have previously indicated that operations in Deir al-Balah were delayed due to concerns that Hamas may be holding hostages in the area. It is believed that at least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages thought to be in Gaza are still alive.
Families of the kidnapped have expressed concern and sought clarification from Israeli defense officials regarding the measures in place to protect hostages during military operations.
Health authorities in Gaza have issued urgent warnings regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation, stating that widespread hunger could lead to “mass deaths” in the near future. The Hamas-run ministry has reported that at least 19 individuals have succumbed to starvation since Saturday.
