Israel tanks have penetrated the Zaytun district on the southern fringes of Gaza City, severing a vital lifeline that connects the north and south of this war-torn territory. The operation comes as part of Israel’s intensified efforts to dismantle Hamas, claiming to have eliminated dozens of operatives in over 600 airstrikes within the past 24 hours.
This development follows a pattern of warning to the 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza, including those in Gaza City, to move southward to evade military strikes. However, despite the departure of many, tens of thousands are believed to remain in the affected areas.
The escalation can be traced back to the October 7 Hamas attacks, which Israeli officials say resulted in the loss of 1,400 lives, the majority of whom were civilians, with 239 individuals taken hostage. The health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas rule, reports that over 8,000 individuals, primarily civilians, and more than half of them children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.
The Israeli army reports “dozens” of Hamas operatives killed in overnight clashes. These militants were reportedly holed up in buildings and tunnels, launching attacks against the advancing Israeli troops. The Israeli response has targeted various Hamas facilities, including weapons depots, anti-tank missile launch sites, and hideouts, all integral to the Hamas organization.
One particularly significant event unfolded as a fighter jet targeted a building housing over 20 Hamas operatives. Another strike focused on an anti-tank missile launch position near Al-Azhar University, located in the heart of Gaza City.
As this conflict continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to spare the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire.