Israeli tanks launched a ground assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday, marking the first such incursion into the area as the ongoing military campaign against Hamas enters its 22nd month. The assault, supported by heavy airstrikes, sent plumes of smoke into the sky above the densely populated city.
Deir al-Balah currently shelters thousands of Palestinians displaced from southern Gaza. The Israeli military suspects the area may be housing hostages held by Hamas. Following evacuation orders, many civilians fled further west or south in search of safety.
Local medical sources reported that tank shelling struck residential buildings and mosques, killing at least three people and injuring several others. In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed at least five people, including a couple and their two children, who were staying in a tent.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 injured in Israeli military operations across the territory in the past 24 hours—making it one of the deadliest days in recent weeks.
The Israeli military has yet to release an official statement regarding the Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis incidents. However, military sources have previously cited concerns over hostages as a reason for delaying operations in central Gaza. Of the 50 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, at least 20 are thought to be alive.
Families of the captives have expressed concern and are demanding assurances from the Israeli defence establishment about the safety of the hostages amid the intensified operations.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Gaza have raised alarms over the worsening humanitarian crisis. The Hamas-run ministry warned that widespread hunger could lead to “mass deaths” in the coming days, with at least 19 people reportedly dying of starvation since Saturday.
