Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel Gaza War
Israeli Airstrikes and Ground Offensive in Southern Gaza Claim 51 Lives, Says Hamas Health Ministry
On Tuesday night, Israeli forces launched a significant military operation in southern Gaza, specifically targeting the Khan Younis area. According to Gaza’s Hamas run health ministry, the strikes and accompanying ground offensive have resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people. This escalation is part of Israel’s broader military campaign that began in response to Hamas’ unprecedented attacks last year and follows recent regional developments involving both Lebanon and Iran.
Ground Offensive in Khan Younis: Tanks and Heavy Shelling
The operation in Khan Younis involved a combination of airstrikes and tank deployments. Residents of the area reported heavy gunfire and shelling as Israeli tanks advanced into parts of the city and surrounding villages. Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation, with shells raining down on civilian areas without warning.
One wounded man, who was later treated at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, recounted the sudden and violent nature of the attack. "Tanks stormed into our village without any prior warning," he said. "We were completely unprepared for what was happening. The tanks were accompanied by drones that specifically targeted us."
Another survivor shared a similar account from the hospital: "We were in Qizan al Najjar when the shelling began out of nowhere. Planes and tanks unleashed relentless fire upon us." He described how his family was caught in the crossfire, with his daughter injured and his wife suffering a head wound that might result in vision loss.
A third resident spoke about the destruction inflicted upon a house that was sheltering displaced families. "There was no time to react," he said. "The entire area was destroyed without any warning. People were trapped inside the house when it was hit." Medical officials have warned that the death toll could rise, with an additional 82 people reported injured in the strikes.
Targeting Hamas Command Centers in Schools
In a parallel operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have struck Hamas targets embedded within four schools located in central and northern Gaza. According to the IDF, Hamas militants were using these schools as "command and control centers" to coordinate their activities, endangering the civilians taking shelter there. The schools targeted were Muscat, Rimal, Bureij, and Nuseirat, which have been used to house displaced individuals since the conflict began.
Palestinian news sources, including the Wafa news agency, reported that nine civilians were killed at Muscat School, located in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City. Another six people were killed at the Al-Amal Institute for Orphans in Rimal. Later, the Al-Amal Institute announced on social media that the death toll had risen to eight, with many others injured, including women and children.
In Nuseirat, a refugee camp and the location of one of the schools targeted, Gaza’s Civil Defense officials confirmed that three people had died and 15 were wounded when the girls' school was hit by Israeli airstrikes. These strikes, aimed at Hamas fighters, have drawn widespread condemnation, with the destruction of civilian shelters intensifying the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Regional Escalation and Tensions with Lebanon
Israel’s operations in Gaza come at a time of heightened regional tension, particularly with neighboring Lebanon and Iran. On Tuesday, Israel repelled a barrage of missiles launched by Iran and initiated a limited ground invasion into southern Lebanon. This advance, which the IDF described as a “targeted” operation, was aimed at Hezbollah positions following nearly a year of cross border fighting.
The ground invasion into Lebanon marks a new phase in the conflict, as Israel seeks to neutralize Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in periodic skirmishes along the border, with Hezbollah occasionally launching rocket attacks into northern Israel. Tuesday’s operation involved limited Israeli troop movements into Lebanese territory, primarily aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure.
The IDF has yet to comment on the specifics of the southern Gaza strikes that took place early Wednesday, but it has maintained that its military actions are targeted at Hamas fighters and infrastructure. Israeli officials argue that Hamas deliberately embeds its fighters within civilian areas, using them as human shields, which complicates Israel’s military response.
The Human Cost of the Conflict
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has had a devastating impact on the civilian population of Gaza. Since the conflict began, more than 41,689 people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The conflict was triggered by a massive surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7 of last year. During the attack, approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage.
In retaliation, Israel launched a wide scale military campaign in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure and preventing future attacks. The campaign has been marked by airstrikes, ground offensives, and a blockade of the territory, which has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest urban area, has been a particular focal point for Israel’s ground operations. Israeli forces have carried out multiple offensives in the city since December, with the aim of rooting out Hamas fighters hiding among the civilian population.
Despite the toll on both sides, there appears to be no end in sight to the conflict. Gaza’s health ministry has warned that the death toll could continue to rise as the fighting drags on, with the destruction of infrastructure making it increasingly difficult to provide medical care and basic necessities to the population.
The Role of International Actors
The war between Israel and Hamas has drawn international attention, with various global actors calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for Gaza’s beleaguered population. However, Israel has rejected these calls, arguing that any pause in hostilities would allow Hamas to regroup and strengthen its position.
Complicating matters further are Israel’s tense relations with international organizations such as the United Nations. The Israeli government has frequently clashed with the UN over its handling of the Gaza situation, particularly concerning the UN’s support for Palestinian refugees and its criticism of Israeli airstrikes.
One of the most contentious issues is the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank. Earlier this year, Israel accused several UNRWA staff members of being complicit in the October 7 attacks. The agency launched an investigation, and in August, nine staff members were dismissed for their potential involvement.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. While many countries and organizations call for a ceasefire, others support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and other militant groups operating in the region.
The latest round of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Gaza has once again highlighted the tragic human cost of the ongoing conflict. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the violence shows little sign of abating. As the death toll continues to rise, civilians remain caught in the crossfire, with their lives and livelihoods hanging in the balance. The situation in Gaza and the wider region remains a critical concern for the international community, as calls for peace are overshadowed by the harsh realities of war.
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