Israel-Hamas war: IDF now controls 65% of Gaza, UNRWA warns…
Gaza: In the latest development in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces on Friday stated that it now holds operational control over 65 percent of the Gaza Strip. The IDF succeeded in taking control of more than 50 percent of the Gaza Strip following intense military action. The Israeli Army neutralised over 100 Hamas operatives in Gaza over the past week, including senior commander Hakem al-Issa. The Israeli Air Force has conducted over 7,500 airstrikes against alleged terrorist targets in the course of the conflict. These targets reportedly included weapons facilities, tunnels, and rocket launching sites.
Hunger worsening in Gaza: UNRWA
Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has raised an alarm that residents of Gaza are dealing with scarcity of food and other essential items such as food and medicines. In its urgent statement, the UNRWA stated that hunger is worsening across the Strip and there are reports of people collapsing on streets.
As many as 19 Palestinian civilians lost their lives and several sustained injuries in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli airstrikes on Friday morning targeted a refugee camp west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians and injuries to others. The Abu Khadija family suffered the most significant losses, as their tent was directly hit.
Hamas Held Talks On Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
Hamas held talks and consultations with several Palestinian factions over the ceasefire proposal for Gaza. In a statement, Hamas stated that it had discussed the proposal “with the leaders of Palestinian forces and factions around the proposal it received” from the mediating countries.
“The movement will submit a final decision to the mediators after the consultations are over and will announce that officially,” Hamas added.
Hamas is demanding assurances from the US-brokered ceasefire proposal that it will permanently halt Israel’s Gaza offensive and prevent future Israeli attacks. According to sources, the specifics of the proposal are still under negotiation, Reuters reported.
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