Israeli military escalates offensive in Gaza, Palestinians running out of places to escape

Palestinians mourn the death of loved ones following Israeli bombardment in the southern Gaza Strip on December 5, 2023, outside a hospital in Khan Yunis, amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Pic/AFP

The Israeli military has intensified its operations in the southern part of Gaza, expanding its offensive against the territory's ruling faction, Hamas. The escalation follows the call for more evacuations in the southern enclave, leaving thousands of Palestinians with dwindling safe havens.

The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll, with over 15,000 Palestinians killed and more than 41,000 wounded since October 7, as reported by the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The ministry said that 70 per cent of the deceased are women and children.

Efforts for a longer truce, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, face challenges as Israel recalled negotiators. Hamas linked talks on releasing hostages, seized on October 7, to a permanent ceasefire.

Current Developments:

Evacuations ordered, safe spaces dwindling: Israel's widening offensive prompts evacuation orders, but Palestinians face a shortage of safe havens.

Governor rebukes protesters: Pennsylvania's governor criticized Philadelphia protesters chanting outside an Israeli restaurant.

Media deaths in focus: A global journalist group highlights the Israel-Hamas conflict as an unprecedented war concerning media deaths.

Insight into hostage strategy: The kibbutz of Nir Oz sheds light on Hamas' unprecedented hostage strategy.

Also read: We are running out of places to escape to, say Palestinians

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