GAZA CITY: The Israeli army launched a major military move by deploying dozens of tanks into southern Gaza, intensifying its brutal actions in the besieged Palestinian territory. This move comes despite growing global concern over the increasing number of Palestinian civilian casualties due to Israeli military bombardments.
After previously deploying ground forces in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Israel has expanded its operations, with the army air-dropping leaflets in southern regions, urging innocent Palestinian civilians to relocate to safer areas.
Witnesses reported the presence of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and bulldozers near the southern city of Khan Yunis, which is densely populated with internally displaced Palestinians. The military action is part of the Israeli army’s “aggressive” measures in the Gaza Strip.
The military’s move includes attempts to cut off the Salah al-Din road between Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Yunis, designating it as a “battlefield.” Civilians are warned against traveling in the area due to the heightened danger.
The resumption of the Israeli forces’ full-scale brutal operation follows the collapse of a week-long truce brokered by Qatar, supported by the United States and Egypt. During the truce, Hamas and Israel exchanged hostages and prisoners, but the ceasefire ended, leading to an escalation of Israeli brutalities.
15,900 Innocent Palestinians in Gaza
Gaza’s health ministry reports a devastating toll, with nearly 15,900 innocent Palestinians killed, approximately 70% of them women and children. The intensified airstrikes have prompted concern from humanitarian agencies, with UNICEF spokesperson James Elder stating that attacks in southern Gaza are as vicious as those in the north.
The conflict has left an estimated 1.8 million people displaced in Gaza, representing three-quarters of the population. The Israeli military reported conducting around 10,000 airstrikes, while more than 11,500 rockets were fired at Israel since the conflict began.
The Israeli army confirmed the deaths of three more soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the total troop deaths to 75. The overall number of Israeli defense personnel casualties stands at 401 since October 7.
Despite international calls for the protection of Gaza’s civilians, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with continued Israeli air strikes targeting northern Gaza. The United States has intensified its calls for the safeguarding of Palestinian civilians, acknowledging the high number of innocent civilians being killed.
