In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, Israeli tanks advanced into the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah, a key city in Gaza that now shelters many displaced by over 21 months of conflict. 🚨
The city, crowded with residents pushed from their homes after an evacuation order aimed at crippling Hamas capabilities, faced heavy tank shelling. Several houses and mosques were hit, tragically claiming lives and injuring many, as medics reported.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that humanitarian sites must remain inviolable—even with prior notifications, UN guesthouses in Deir al-Balah were struck. The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirmed that its main warehouse and staff residence in the city came under attack, leading to the detention of two staff members and two family members, although most have since been released. 😢
Gaza's Health Ministry reported a grim toll: at least 130 Palestinians killed and over 1,000 wounded in the past 24 hours, marking one of the highest casualty figures in recent weeks. As these events unfold, efforts to secure a ceasefire—mediated by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. backing—face further complications. A Hamas official warned that the rising death toll and worsening hunger crisis could impact talks on a 60-day truce and hostage deal. 💔
While the situation remains fluid, the focus remains on protecting civilians and humanitarian sites amid the escalating conflict.
Reference(s):
Israeli tanks enter Deir al-Balah as Gaza hunger crisis worsens
cgtn.com
