New Developments on the 16th Day of the Operation
During the 16th day of the war on Gaza, Israel carried out more attacks on civilians, especially in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Since Sunday morning, 166 Palestinians have been killed. Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they successfully ambushed an Israeli armored force, destroying a tank and two bulldozers. The Israeli army confirmed that one soldier was killed and three others were injured during a raid in Gaza.
Increasing Casualties
After numerous attacks in the past 24 hours, the total number of casualties in Gaza has risen to 4,741, including over 1,873 children and 1,023 women. Additionally, more than 14,000 people have been wounded. In the West Bank, 92 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7.
Clashes and Threats
Lebanese Hezbollah targeted Israeli military sites, prompting Israel to respond with artillery and drones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Lebanon and Hezbollah with "unimaginable destruction."
Key Developments of the 16th Day
Here are some of the most significant updates from the 16th day of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood:
Humanitarian Aid
The United Nations announced that 14 trucks loaded with aid have entered Gaza. However, the aid did not include fuel, which is urgently needed.
Clashes and Medical Needs
There were clashes between Palestinian resistance groups and Israeli forces in Ramallah and Hebron. The regional director of the World Health Organization expressed concern that the aid entering Gaza is insufficient to meet the medical needs of the population.
Displacement and Ground Attack
The government media in Gaza reported that Israeli bombings have forced 1.4 million people to flee their homes. Israeli officials stated that there is no pressure from the United States to postpone a ground attack, but Israel's Defense Minister emphasized that a ground operation should be the last resort.
International Involvement
Bloomberg reported that Israel has decided to support efforts to release "hostages," which may delay the ground operation in Gaza. The bodies of Israelis were recovered from the Gaza Strip two weeks after the start of the conflict. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the US would take military action if the conflict expands.
Hezbollah's Actions
Israeli media reported that Hezbollah bombed army positions in the north, disrupting part of the monitoring system along the border. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) expressed shock after confirming that 29 of its employees have been killed in Gaza since October 7.
Infrastructure and Damage
Israel plans to establish a tent city near Eilat to accommodate residents of the Gaza Strip. Around 50% of housing units in Gaza have been partially or completely damaged due to Israeli airstrikes. The government information office in Gaza reported that 31 mosques were destroyed and three churches were damaged by the Israeli occupation. The occupation forces have also arrested 450 Hamas members in the West Bank since the start of the war.
International Reactions
Israeli bombing targeted the vicinity of Kafr Shuba in southern Lebanon. Gaza hospitals are receiving around 50 people daily, including both martyrs and wounded individuals. The Israeli Ministry of Health stated that 299 Israelis are still receiving treatment, with 47 in serious condition. Israel blamed Iran for their targeting of Syrian territory. US Secretary of Defense issued instructions to strengthen the positioning of US forces in the region after recent escalations by Iran. Over 100 members of Congress wrote a letter to President Biden, urging immediate action to prevent further loss of innocent lives in Gaza. The US State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Blinken discussed efforts to secure the immediate return of all Hamas hostages with his Qatari counterpart.
Settler Attacks
Settlers attacked homes in the town of Huwwara in the West Bank and set vehicles on fire.
