Israeli tanks launched their first ground assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday, intensifying a military campaign that has now entered its 22nd month. Columns of smoke were seen rising over the city, while accompanying airstrikes battered the densely populated area.
The region is home to thousands of displaced Palestinians who fled from southern Gaza. Israeli authorities believe hostages taken by Hamas may also be held in the area. Following an evacuation order issued by the Israeli military, hundreds of civilians had sought shelter further west or south.
Local medics reported that tank shelling struck houses and mosques in Deir al-Balah, killing at least three Palestinians and injuring several others. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in the south killed at least five people, including a couple and their two children, who were staying in a tent, according to medical sources.
The Gaza health ministry, operated by Hamas, said in its daily briefing that at least 130 Palestinians had been killed and more than 1,000 injured by Israeli gunfire and military strikes across the territory in the past 24 hours — one of the deadliest single-day tolls in recent weeks.
The Israeli military has not yet issued a formal statement on the incidents in Deir al-Balah or Khan Younis. However, Israeli sources have previously indicated that operations in Deir al-Balah were delayed over concerns that Hamas may be holding hostages in the area. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza are thought to be alive.
Families of those kidnapped have voiced alarm and demanded clarification from Israeli defence officials on how hostages will be protected during military operations.
Health authorities in Gaza have also issued dire warnings over the worsening humanitarian situation, saying widespread hunger could result in “mass deaths” in the coming days. At least 19 people have died of starvation since Saturday, the Hamas-run ministry reported.
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