Israeli tanks have entered the southern and eastern parts of Deir Al-Balah in Gaza for the first time, targeting areas where Israeli intelligence suspects some of the remaining hostages may be held.
According to Gaza medical sources, at least three Palestinians were killed and several others injured after tank shelling struck eight homes and three mosques. This offensive followed a military evacuation order issued a day prior, signaling imminent combat operations against Hamas fighters.
UN Reports Heavy Civilian Casualties Near Aid Sites
The United Nations reported nearly 800 deaths near aid distribution points in the past six weeks. Many of these casualties occurred close to facilities managed by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The escalation forced dozens of families to flee westward toward the coastal areas of Deir Al-Balah and nearby Khan Younis, which are already hosting thousands of displaced individuals, including staff from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
Steve Cutts, Interim CEO of MAP, condemned the latest evacuation as a direct attack on humanitarian efforts and an intentional effort to dismantle Gaza’s remaining health infrastructure. MAP has been forced to halt vital services, including a clinic serving hundreds daily. Cutts warned that humanitarian workers are being systematically targeted, leaving both civilians and aid teams at risk.
Airstrike in Khan Younis Kills Family of Four
Earlier Monday, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed five people, including a man, his wife, and their two children in a tent. There has been no official Israeli comment on these incidents.
Israeli Military’s Justification and Hostage Concerns
The Israeli military stated it had not previously operated in the specific Deir Al-Balah districts now under evacuation, citing the potential presence of hostages as a reason for caution. Reports suggest that about 20 of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza are still alive. Concerned families are pressing the military for assurances about the hostages’ safety.
Gaza Faces Escalating Hunger Crisis
As military actions intensify, Gaza’s health ministry warns of “mass deaths” from hunger, which has already claimed at least 19 lives since Saturday. Hospitals are facing critical shortages of fuel, food, and medicine. Medical staff are surviving on a single meal per day while attending to crowds suffering from hunger-induced exhaustion.
Aid Convoy Attack Raises Tensions
On Sunday, at least 67 people were killed by Israeli fire while waiting for UN aid in northern Gaza. The military stated that warning shots were fired to disperse what it perceived as an imminent threat, and said casualty reports may be exaggerated. It insisted it does not deliberately target humanitarian operations.
These developments are straining ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support. A Hamas official indicated that the growing death toll and worsening famine could severely hinder progress.
International Criticism and Aid Restrictions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Israel’s recent actions in Gaza “completely indefensible” and directly expressed his concerns to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, warning of declining international support.
The UN agency UNRWA highlighted the growing desperation in Gaza, including from its own staff, amid skyrocketing food prices. Despite having ample food stockpiled just outside Gaza, aid is unable to reach those in need due to access restrictions.
The Israeli military maintains it prioritizes the delivery of humanitarian aid and coordinates with international organizations to facilitate its entry.
The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza. In response, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population, and driven Gaza into a dire humanitarian catastrophe.
