On Tuesday, the Israeli military faced its darkest day in Gaza, losing 24 soldiers. This loss marks the most significant single-day toll in the current operation.
Pressure mounts on Israel to find a peaceful solution. Reports suggest a ceasefire proposal for two months is on the table.
General Daniel Hagari revealed that a missile strike was responsible for 21 deaths. Efforts to recover bodies from the debris have been challenging. “Our reservists sacrificed greatly for national security,” he noted.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered a thorough investigation. “We will learn and safeguard our soldiers,” he affirmed.
The UN reported escalated operations around Jan Yunis. Israeli forces claimed a strategic Hamas command center.
In Addition, the Palestinian Red Crescent highlighted casualties among displaced people seeking shelter due to Israeli artillery fire.
UN entities signal an alarming rise in disease and famine risks in Gaza. Displacement affects approximately 1.7 million individuals. Abu Iyad, moving again, voiced his uncertainty about relocating to Rafah.
Escalation and International Response
The Gaza war began with a Hamas attack, resulting in around 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory actions have led to 25,490 deaths, as per Hamas’s health ministry data.
Hamas‘s hostage-taking includes 250 individuals, with 132 still captive. A ceasefire facilitated the exchange of 100 hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Families of hostages have urgently called for action. “Our children’s lives are at stake,” cried a distressed parent during a parliamentary session.
Israel considers a new deal for hostage release, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. This multi-phase plan extends over two months.
Brett McGurk is actively seeking a new agreement for hostage release. Meanwhile, the US and EU push for a long-term resolution, proposing a viable Palestinian state, which Netanyahu opposes.
In short, the conflict has heightened regional tensions, with ongoing skirmishes on the Israel-Lebanon border.
Moreover, the US and UK targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, responding to maritime attacks.