The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical juncture as Israeli military operations escalate, drawing widespread international concern. Gaza health authorities reported 77 Palestinian fatalities and 265 injuries in the past 24 hours, including 17 killed and 89 wounded during a humanitarian aid distribution effort. The mounting casualties highlight the dire conditions faced by civilians in the conflict zone.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that over 750,000 residents have fled Gaza, emphasizing that military operations have entered a "decisive phase" aimed at achieving all objectives. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed expanded operations in northern Gaza, targeting approximately 120 sites and neutralizing Hamas fighters while seizing weapons caches.
Amid the violence, reports from Israel's Haaretz suggest Hamas has tentatively accepted a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal involving the release of Israeli hostages, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas has not yet issued an official confirmation, leaving diplomatic efforts in a precarious state.
The crisis has sparked intensified global debate, with humanitarian organizations urging immediate de-escalation. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict risks destabilizing regional security and exacerbating economic disruptions across Middle Eastern markets.
