Israeli troops advanced deeper into Gaza City on August 23, with tanks entering the Sabra neighborhood, as Gaza's Health Ministry reported 61 Palestinians killed and 308 injured in the latest attacks. Medical staff in southern Gaza confirmed airstrikes hit tents sheltering displaced families, killing at least 14 people, mostly women and children.
Famine Crisis Deepens
Eight more Palestinians, including two children, died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health authorities. This follows the UN's confirmation of famine in Gaza. Munir al-Bursh, Gaza's Health Ministry director-general, stated on social media: "The famine is silently ravaging the bodies of civilians, depriving children of their right to life."
Conflict Toll and International Scrutiny
Since October 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have resulted in 62,622 deaths and 157,673 injuries. A May 2024 Guardian report citing Israeli military intelligence estimated 83% of casualties were civilians. The Israeli military disputed the data but offered no counter-evidence.
Military Plans and Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to "defeat Hamas" through a Gaza City offensive, while Defense Minister Israel Katz approved an operational plan involving "intense firepower strikes and ground offensives." Indirect talks in Qatar collapsed in July after Israel rejected Hamas' ceasefire proposals, sparking domestic and international criticism.
