The Israeli military continued its offensive in central Gaza, targeting militants who were using a former United Nations school as a base. The military defended the attacks, claiming that Hamas intentionally operates from civilian areas, putting civilians at risk. The number of casualties in the attacks on the school complexes remains disputed, with varying figures provided by different sources. Israel released the names of alleged fighters killed in the strikes, while Palestinian officials reported civilian deaths, including children and women.
The United Nations announced that it was putting Israel on a global list of offenders for violations harmful to children, along with Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the report, stating that the Israeli military is the most moral army in the world. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken planned to travel to the region to push for a cease-fire. Israeli troops continued their offensive in Rafah, seizing much of the area bordering Egypt.
The fighting in Gaza has been fueled by attacks from Hamas and other Palestinian militants using underground tunnels to engage in guerrilla warfare against Israeli forces. Israeli troops have been targeting areas where Hamas has regrouped, leading to ongoing clashes with militants. Despite the conflict, truck shipments of international aid have decreased, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.S. military has worked to reattach a floating pier to help funnel humanitarian aid into the territory.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing violence and civilian casualties. The Israeli military’s offensive has targeted militants using civilian infrastructure as bases, resulting in clashes and casualties. The United Nations and other international bodies have condemned the violence and called for a cease-fire. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza have faced challenges due to the conflict, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis.
