Israel escalates attacks in Gaza, death toll surges

In the latest developments in the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces have intensified their attacks in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the southern city and a central refugee camp. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a staggering death toll of more than 21,000 people in the 11 weeks of war.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed serious concern, stating that Gaza’s population is in “grave peril.” French President Emmanuel Macron called for a long-term ceasefire during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need to end the hostilities.

Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that strikes on a central refugee camp have entered a third day, with additional forces deployed to the southern city of Khan Yunis, where heavy urban combat persists. There are hints of a potential “expansion of fighting in the north” along the Lebanese border.

Despite mounting calls for a ceasefire, Israel remains committed to its campaign against Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attack, which claimed about 1,140 lives, mostly civilians. The Palestinian militant group is also holding around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

The toll on civilians in Gaza continues to rise, with at least 21,110 people, predominantly women and children, reported dead. The UN estimates that 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, facing severe shortages of essential supplies.

Amid the humanitarian crisis, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the international community to take urgent steps to alleviate the situation, emphasizing the jeopardy faced by both the population and humanitarian workers.

The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah and attacks on shipping by Huthi rebels in Yemen. Israel has threatened overwhelming force to compel Hezbollah to withdraw further from the border.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning to Israel, stating that it or its allies would take “direct action” in response to the killing of senior commander Razi Moussavi. Meanwhile, violence has erupted across the occupied West Bank, with over 310 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops or settlers since October 7. Israeli operations, including airstrikes, continue in various West Bank locations.

The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight as the conflict unfolds on multiple fronts.