Israeli armour rolled into the southern and eastern quarters of Gaza’s Deir al‑Balah on Monday, the army’s first ground thrust into the densely packed city where officials believe some of the remaining hostages may be held.
The incursion set off fresh displacement among thousands of Palestinians who had already fled earlier battles. Local medics said tank shells struck homes and mosques, killing at least three people and wounding several others. An air‑strike in nearby Khan Younis later killed five more, including two children sheltering in a tent.
Gaza’s health ministry reported 130 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries across the enclave in the past 24 hours, one of the heaviest daily tolls in weeks.
Hostage families demand answers
Israeli security sources say fears for roughly 50 hostages—about 20 of whom are thought to be alive—had kept troops out of Deir al‑Balah until now. The Hostage Families Forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz to explain how the operation will safeguard captives. “The people of Israel will not forgive anyone who knowingly endangered the hostages,” the group said.
Hospitals on the brink
Hunger has compounded Gaza’s crisis: the Hamas‑run health ministry warns “mass deaths” are imminent after fuel and food deliveries dwindled. Medical staff say many are surviving on a single meal a day.
In Rafah, officials said Israeli undercover forces detained Dr Marwan al‑Hams, head of Gaza’s field hospitals, in a raid that killed a local journalist and wounded another near an International Committee of the Red Cross clinic. The ICRC confirmed treating casualties and voiced “deep concern” over staff safety. Israel’s military had no immediate comment.
Ceasefire prospects dim
Hamas said soaring civilian deaths and hunger threaten talks in Qatar and Egypt on a U.S.–backed 60‑day truce and hostage exchange. Israeli negotiators have not publicly responded.
UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, said it has enough food for Gaza’s entire population “for over three months” stored just outside the strip, but the blockade prevents delivery. At least 67 Palestinians were killed Sunday while waiting for aid trucks, Gaza health officials said; Israel said troops fired warning shots at what they deemed an “immediate threat” and questioned the casualty count.
The war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s offensive has now killed more than 59,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly the whole population.