Israel-Hamas Conflict Updates: The Israeli military was on high alert for a potential ground invasion in Gaza on Friday as it continued to target the coastal strip in response to Hamas’s actions.
In the northern Gaza Jabaliya refugee camp, at least 45 people were tragically killed, and many others were injured when the Israeli military bombed a residential building, as the conflict entered its seventh day on Friday. The Israeli military intensified its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and maintained its complete siege of the territory. This siege has left Palestinians struggling to access essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine, with no relief in sight until Hamas releases around 150 hostages taken during a recent attack on Israel.
International aid organizations have raised concerns about a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, especially as Israel blocked the entry of supplies from Egypt to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in at least 2,800 deaths on both sides.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who supports Hamas, has suggested that opening a “new front” against Israel may depend on Israel’s actions in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Key Updates on the Israel-Hamas Conflict:
- Potential Ground Invasion: The Israeli military made preparations for a potential ground invasion of Gaza on Friday in response to Hamas’s unprecedented weekend attack on Israel, which has left hundreds of people dead. Israel has made it clear that it will not allow any supplies to enter Gaza until the release of the hostages captured by Hamas during the attack.
- Casualty Toll: The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in at least 2,800 casualties on both sides. Gaza’s health ministry reported that 1,537 Palestinians, including 500 children and 276 women, were killed, and 6,612 were wounded in Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Jabaliya refugee camp killed at least 45 people and wounded many others.
- Displaced Population: Over 423,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Gaza, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. The number of displaced individuals increased by an additional 84,444 people, despite heavy Israeli bombardments.
- Iran’s Warning: Iran’s foreign affairs minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, warned of the possibility of opening new fronts in the conflict depending on Israel’s actions. This could potentially involve groups like Hezbollah, operating in Lebanon near Israel’s northern border.
- Evacuation of Indians: The first charter flight carrying 212 Indians, including an infant, from Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport landed in Delhi, as part of “Operation Ajay.” These individuals were unable to return home earlier due to flight suspensions by Air India.
- Return of Nepali Nationals: Over 200 Nepali nationals who were evacuated from Israel returned home as the government also worked to repatriate the bodies of 10 Nepali students killed in the attack by Hamas.
- Diplomatic Dialogue: In a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
- International Reactions: Various countries, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Egypt, have responded to the conflict, expressing support for Israel, condemnation of attacks, and efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.
- G-7 Condemns Hamas: Finance ministers from the G-7 countries condemned Hamas for its attacks against Israel, stating their solidarity with the Israeli people and their strong opposition to terror attacks.
Please note that the situation is evolving, and further updates may follow.
