Israel intensifies operations, while international calls for humanitarian aid grow

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains dire. According to the Gaza health ministry, a total of 7,028 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s bombardment on October 7. The casualties include 2,913 children. The ministry released a 212-page document detailing the names and identification numbers of those killed.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Shadi Barud, the deputy head of Hamas’s intelligence directorate, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades claimed that nearly 50 hostages held in Gaza have been killed due to Israeli strikes.

The number of hostages held by Hamas has risen to 224, with 54 of them being Thai nationals. Meanwhile, four hostages have been released.

On the ground, Israeli forces conducted a large-scale ground raid in northern Gaza, involving infantry, tanks, and armoured bulldozers. The IDF described this operation as preparation for the next phase of combat, and soldiers have since exited the area. This raid was reported to be the most significant ground incursion since Israel began amassing forces ahead of a potential full-scale invasion.

Meanwhile, the international community continues to react. A joint statement from the foreign ministers of nine Arab countries condemned the targeting of civilians and violations of international law in Gaza. The EU is pushing for “humanitarian corridors and pauses” in the shelling to allow aid to reach those in need. The UN’s Palestinian relief agency has warned that its fuel supply will run out today, halting vital services such as food distribution, water desalination, and hospital operations.

In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that border force teams are positioned in Egypt to assist British citizens attempting to leave Gaza.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation continues to evolve.