Israel intensified its assault on the Gaza Strip Monday, launching attacks from the air, sea, and land as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas broke down. Heavy shelling targeted neighborhoods in Gaza City and central Gaza, with the Palestinian Red Crescent reporting the recovery of five bodies, including three children, from the Al-Maghazi camp. Additional strikes and gunship fire were reported in southern Gaza.
The Israeli military stated it continued operations throughout Gaza, conducting raids and air strikes that killed multiple militants. Naval forces also engaged targets along the coast. The military actions follow Hamas's withdrawal from truce talks after an Israeli strike targeting Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’s military wing, which killed 92 people according to Gaza's health ministry.
Hamas accused Israel of "massacres" and suspended negotiations, though leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed a willingness to resume talks if Israel showed seriousness in reaching a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. US President Joe Biden had suggested a potential agreement was near, but Hamas criticized the US for supporting "genocide" by supplying Israel with banned weapons.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli figures report 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages taken, while Gaza's health ministry counts at least 38,584 deaths, also primarily civilians. The war has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing most of its 2.4 million residents and causing severe shortages of essentials.
The Israeli military stated it continued operations throughout Gaza, conducting raids and air strikes that killed multiple militants. Naval forces also engaged targets along the coast. The military actions follow Hamas's withdrawal from truce talks after an Israeli strike targeting Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’s military wing, which killed 92 people according to Gaza's health ministry.
Hamas accused Israel of "massacres" and suspended negotiations, though leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed a willingness to resume talks if Israel showed seriousness in reaching a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. US President Joe Biden had suggested a potential agreement was near, but Hamas criticized the US for supporting "genocide" by supplying Israel with banned weapons.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli figures report 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages taken, while Gaza's health ministry counts at least 38,584 deaths, also primarily civilians. The war has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing most of its 2.4 million residents and causing severe shortages of essentials.
