In a recent turn of events, the Israeli military has expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, targeting densely populated urban refugee camps. Simultaneously, forces raided a refugee camp in the West Bank, resulting in at least six Palestinian casualties.
The conflict escalated further as rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel, leading to sirens sounding in towns like Rosh Hanikra and Kiryat Shmona. Israel’s top general declared readiness to battle the Hezbollah terror group, adding to the ongoing heavy fighting in Gaza.
Ongoing Operations in Gaza
Israeli forces intensified their attacks on central Gaza, using land, sea, and air forces. The UN health agency reported thousands attempting to flee the fighting, with makeshift shelters being erected along the roads. Israeli planes carried out strikes in Al Nuseirat, resulting in casualties, while the military claimed to uncover more of Hamas’s tunnels in and around hospitals within Gaza.
International Reactions and Accusations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel, likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Erdogan accused the United States of complicity in Gaza deaths, further straining diplomatic relations. In response, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, highlighting Erdogan’s alleged human rights abuses.
Protests and Arrests
Pro-Palestinian protesters faced arrests in New York and Los Angeles as they briefly blocked entrance roads to airports, causing disruptions. Demonstrators expressed their opposition to Israel’s actions, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
Drone Attacks and Claims of Responsibility
An explosive-laden drone crashed in the southern Golan Heights, with authorities attributing it to a hostile unmanned aircraft launched from Syria. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack, using what they described as “appropriate weapons.”
International Diplomacy
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a durable ceasefire in a conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu. France expressed willingness to collaborate with regional and international partners, also planning humanitarian operations in Gaza with Jordan.
Threats and Targets
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, could be Israel’s next target. Cohen urged Nasrallah to respect a 2006 UN ceasefire and warned that all options were on the table.
Uncertain Fate of Hamas Military Chief
Israeli TV released a purported recent photo of Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif, allegedly obtained during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The authenticity of the photo, showing significant injuries from an airstrike, remains unverified.
As the situation unfolds, the region faces heightened tensions and calls for international intervention to address the escalating crisis.
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