The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues as the temporary ceasefire that was established on Dec. 1 has ended, and Israel has resumed its bombardment of Gaza. This comes after Hamas released over 100 hostages that were taken during their surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 in exchange for the release of over 200 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
In the latest development, the Israeli army has announced that it destroyed a key hideout for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. As tensions continue to rise between the two sides, what the future holds for the ongoing conflict remains to be seen.
What we know about the conflict
The Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing for almost three months, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry and the Government Media Office, at least 21,672 people have been killed. Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip have wounded 56,165 others since Oct. 7. The Israel Defense Forces report at least 1,200 people have been killed, and 6,900 others have been injured by Hamas and other Palestinian militants in Israel during the same period. There has also been a surge in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with Israeli forces killing at least 297 people since Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Hunger Spreads in Gaza, Israel Fires on U.N. Aid Convoy: U.N.
According to U.N. monitors, a quarter of Gaza’s population is starving due to the lack of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies. The Israeli-run Kerem Shalom crossing was closed for four days due to security incidents, such as a drone strike and the seizing of aid by desperate Gaza residents. While the crossing reopened on Friday, only 81 aid trucks entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom and the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border. This is a fraction of the pre-war volume of 500 trucks per day.
The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees reported that Israeli soldiers fired on a U.N. aid convoy returning from a delivery in northern Gaza, an incident that U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths condemned as “unlawful.” The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation in the region. Key Points: A quarter of Gaza’s population is starving due to the lack of essential supplies. The Israeli-run Kerem Shalom crossing was closed for four days due to security incidents. Only 81 aid trucks entered Gaza on Friday, a fraction of the pre-war volume Israeli soldiers fired on a U.N. aid convoy returning from a delivery in northern Gaza. The incident was condemned as “unlawful” by U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths.
Refugee Camps Hit in Gaza Amid Fierce Fighting
Palestinian refugees in Gaza have reported fierce Israeli tank fire and aerial bombing in Khan Younis in southern Gaza overnight, with strikes continuing into the morning. The Nuseirat camp in central Gaza was also hit by a series of air strikes, according to medics and Palestinian journalists. The urban refugee camp of Bureij, which has been a recent hot spot of combat along with Nuseirat, also reported Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Saturday.
Israeli forces have been targeting Khan Younis in preparation for an anticipated further advance into the central southern city. Israel claims that its troops have advanced further in south Gaza while raiding Hamas sites in Khan Younis, including the headquarters of the terror group’s intelligence division in the city. Israel alleges that the intelligence H.Q. was responsible for all of Hamas’s intelligence activity in the Khan Younis area.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence and has called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians in the region.
Fighting Continues on the Border with Lebanon
Israel carried out strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure and shelled areas in southern Lebanon in response to rocket, missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel on Saturday. According to Israel, 80% of Hezbollah’s launches toward Israel fell in Lebanon. The IDF also claimed to have struck three terror cells in southern Lebanon. The situation remains tense as the border continues to see fighting and military activity.
Israel says it destroyed tunnels where Hamas general headquarters were located.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they had destroyed a hideout apartment of Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas leader, near Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF found a 715-foot tunnel with a depth of over 65 feet that was used by senior officials of Hamas’ Military and Political Wing. The tunnel had an electrical network, ventilation and sewage infrastructure, hideout materials, prayer rooms and resting rooms. The IDF said that the tunnel was built so that it would be possible to stay inside it and conduct combat for long periods. The IDF soldiers examined the apartment using additional technological means and found a strategic tunnel shaft on the basement floor.
This development is part of the military campaign that Israel launched against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has seen the two sides exchange rocket fire and airstrikes, causing many deaths and destruction. The IDF said that the destruction of the tunnel is part of its efforts to target the infrastructure of Hamas and prevent it from continuing to launch attacks against Israel.
