The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had launched a fresh wave of air and ground strikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting approximately 35 locations. According to an official statement, the strikes included a weapons manufacturing facility in southern Gaza and a launch site containing rocket launchers aimed at Israeli territory.
In northern Gaza, Israeli ground forces reportedly identified an imminent ambush by militants several hundred metres from their position. The military stated that soldiers opened fire and “eliminated the terrorists” in coordination with the Israeli Air Force. However, specific details regarding the location and number of casualties were not disclosed.
In Rafah, a key southern city, Israeli forces destroyed a 20-metre-deep tunnel network stretching several hundred metres. The military described the tunnel as a gathering hub for Hamas militants, linking multiple underground routes in the area. Additionally, Israeli troops uncovered a weapons cache that included mortars, hand grenades, and explosives.
The renewed offensive follows Israel’s decision to resume military operations after ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18. Since then, humanitarian aid has been blocked from entering the enclave, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Gaza health authorities reported that 1,613 Palestinians have been killed and 4,233 injured since the resumption of hostilities. The cumulative toll since the war began in October 2023 now stands at 50,983 dead and 116,274 wounded.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated last week that military operations would soon expand to cover most of Gaza’s territory. In a message directed at Gaza residents, Gallant urged civilians to evacuate in anticipation of upcoming operations. He also referenced a U.S.-backed plan to facilitate voluntary relocation of Gaza residents to third countries, calling it “the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war.”
As the conflict enters a new and potentially more expansive phase, international concern continues to mount over the rising civilian toll and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Recent Random Post:
