Gazan medical officials reported that Israeli tanks entered Deir Al-Balah on 21/7, shelling eight houses and three mosques. The attack killed at least three Palestinians and injured several others.
The assault came one day after the Israeli military ordered civilians to evacuate the area, forcing dozens of families to flee westward toward the coast and the nearby city of Khan Younis.
This marks the first ground incursion into Deir Al-Balah since the conflict began in 10/2023. Earlier that day, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed at least five people, including a family of four, according to Gazan medical personnel.
Israel has not yet commented on the events in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis.
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Smoke rises after an Israeli attack in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on 21/7. Photo: Reuters |
Smoke rises after an Israeli attack in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on 21/7. Photo: Reuters
The Israeli military stated that it had not yet entered some areas of Deir Al-Balah and was continuing to "operate with significant force to eliminate enemy capabilities and infrastructure in the area".
Israeli sources indicated that the military's hesitation to enter these specific areas stemmed from suspicions that Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the 50 remaining hostages in the strip are believed to be alive. Families of the hostages have expressed concern for their loved ones and urged the military to outline how they plan to protect them.
The escalating conflict in Gaza comes as health officials warn of potential "mass casualties" in the coming days due to increasing famine. This has led to at least 19 deaths since 19/7.
Hospitals in Gaza are running low on fuel, food, and medicine, potentially disrupting essential operations. At least 67 people were killed on 20/7 while waiting for UN aid convoys, allegedly by Israeli fire.
However, the Israeli military stated that it fired warning shots at a crowd of thousands in northern Gaza to eliminate an "immediate threat". They also asserted that casualty figures were inflated and denied intentionally targeting aid vehicles.
The escalating attacks and rising casualties appear to be complicating ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, which are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US backing.
Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters)
