Israel has confirmed the deaths of three reservists, two of whom lost their lives fighting in Gaza.
This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed to 68 since the commencement of the ground operation, with 60 casualties occurring in combat inside Gaza. Over the weekend, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the deaths of six soldiers.
On Saturday, Israel intensified its operations by bombing an apartment block in southern Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives. The targeted area was Hamad City, a middle-class housing development in Khan Younis, where 26 people were killed, and 23 others sustained injuries. Additionally, six Palestinians lost their lives in an attack on a house in Deir Al-Balah town.
Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged in an interview this week that the conflict is taking a toll on civilians in Gaza but attributed the blame to Hamas. As the fighting continues, concerns grow about the densely populated Gaza Strip, where civilians face challenges finding safe havens amidst the ongoing violence.
Gaza, initially home to 2.3 million people within its 365 sq km enclave, has experienced a significant population shift, with many moving to the south. The north has largely emptied, and the majority of the population is now concentrated in private homes or overcrowded UN shelters.
Aid agencies are struggling to provide essential services such as food, water, and medical care due to fuel shortages, communication problems, and restrictions on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza. The situation remains dire as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
