Israeli airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians overnight as Israel continued its military operation in Gaza. This follows an agreement to lift a two-month-old blockade on aid deliveries, which had pushed the enclave toward famine.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s goal is to take full control of Gaza, carrying out “extensive ground operations” to dismantle Hamas and prevent militants from looting aid shipments, a claim Hamas denies.
The Israeli military launched a new operation, “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at eliminating Hamas’ military and governing structures and securing the return of hostages taken in October 2023.
While the Israeli government announced that aid would be allowed into Gaza, limited amounts of food were expected to enter, including 50 trucks of basic supplies and nine trucks with baby food. However, by late morning, no activity was visible at the Kerem Shalom crossing, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) refrained from commenting until aid was confirmed to be entering.
Israel’s blockade has drawn international criticism as aid agencies warn that Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are on the brink of famine. Nahed Shheibar, a local transport company owner, urged Gaza residents not to intercept the aid.
Meanwhile, Israeli undercover forces killed Ahmed Sarhan, a militant leader, in a raid in Khan Younis. Sarhan, a commander of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), was killed during a confrontation with Israeli forces disguised as displaced persons. His wife and child were detained during the operation, which was carried out under heavy air cover.
As Israel intensifies its military campaign, Palestinian health officials reported over 500 deaths in the past eight days, adding to the growing toll as Israel continues its offensive.
Despite ongoing indirect talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas, no significant progress has been made. Netanyahu has stated that the talks involve discussions on a truce and hostage negotiations, but Hamas has rejected terms for a ceasefire, including the exile of Hamas militants and Gaza’s demilitarization.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of undermining talks and escalating the conflict, which he said risks the lives of hostages. Israel has blamed Hamas for the deaths of several hostages, while Hamas claims that Israeli airstrikes have killed captives in its custody.
The ongoing war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all its residents and killing over 53,000 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. The conflict began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages.