At least 27 Palestinians were reported killed on Friday in northern and central Gaza due to Israeli tank and air strikes, Palestinian medics stated. Latest development forms part of a long-running conflict where the Israeli forces have advanced into the northwest of Rafah, near the Egypt border. Heavy fighting between Israel forces and Hamas continues despite international attempts at securing a ceasefire, and the tensions on Lebanon-Israel border are also rising with active involvement of Hezbollah.
Eight Palestinians were killed and several more wounded by Israeli tank shelling in the central Gaza Strip refugee camp of Nuseirat. At the same time, an airstrike killed six in a house in Gaza City, and in Beit Hanoun, several people were reported wounded after an Israeli strike on a car; how many were fighters and how many civilians was not clear.
Israeli military operations
Into southern Gaza’s Rafah area have been intensified. Tanks push deeper into the northwest of the city with air support. Reports of explosions are coming from the area. Hamas fighters are said to be clashing with Israeli forces in fierce battles. Israel said that its current campaign has focused on tunnels, explosives and other infrastructure used by Hamas.
A conflict, sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel
On 7 October-the casualties from which have killed 1,200, according to Israeli sources-attacks Gaza with devastating intensity. As of this writing, over 41,000 Palestinians, according to officials, have died in the assault, and the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza has been displaced. Israel declared its intention to eliminate Hamas, which it held as a threat to its very existence.
International mediators, also the U.S
Qatar and Egypt, are making further efforts to agree on a ceasefire as negotiations broke down over prisoners’ exchange terms and whether Israel can retain control of the Rafah-Egypt border.
The displaced Palestinians who are situated near the Al-Mawasi beach area have a new reason for worry as they fear flooding from high waves, adding more misery due to the conflict.
