Israel continued its attacks on Gaza on Saturday, with heavy fighting raging in the territory, where living conditions are described as “unbearable” by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that more than 35 Palestinians were victims of the attacks, bringing the total toll to over 37,000 killed and 86,000 injured since October 7th.
Violent battles between the Israeli army and Hamas fighters took place in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday. The UNRWA highlighted the dire living conditions of the population in Gaza. Israeli forces advanced into areas in the north and south of the Strip, with tank shelling in Rafah resulting in at least 11 deaths. The Israeli military continued its operations in the Shujaiya neighborhood, where a large number of militants were reported killed.
Residents fleeing from Shujaiya due to the bombings left everything behind and miraculously survived. Reports from Arab television described people running in fear as casualties mounted in the streets and homes. The Civil Defense in Gaza reported casualties from Israeli targeting of residential apartments, with hospitals damaged and out of service due to the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly half a million people are facing “catastrophic” hunger. The International Protection Committee (IPC) reported on the worsening conditions, but Israeli government officials criticized the report’s bias and sources. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government as demonstrations continue in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv against various issues.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with new proposals from the United States to facilitate negotiations. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.