GAZA CITY: In the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have killed 266 Palestinians, primarily in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the health ministry spokesperson, Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra. Shockingly, 117 of the casualties were children.
Amid the intense conflict, Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, reported repelling an Israeli ground attack near Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. The Qassam Brigades claimed to have successfully engaged with an Israeli armored force in a well-prepared ambush.
The fighters reportedly destroyed an Israeli tank and two bulldozers during the encounter. In a statement on the Telegram messaging app, the Qassam Brigades described the operation as a significant achievement, emphasizing the fighters’ bravery and their safe return to their bases.
Palestinian PM Urges to Halt Israeli Attacks on Gaza
In response to the escalating Israeli violence, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh called on the international community to form a “united front” to halt Israel’s attacks on Gaza. During a meeting with ambassadors, representatives, and consuls from various countries, Shtayyeh stressed the urgent need to stop Israeli aggression. He also emphasized the importance of delivering medical and relief aid to prevent a major humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
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Meanwhile, an incident occurred involving Israeli forces attempting to repair the separation fence between Gaza and Israel. Israeli soldiers entered the Gaza Strip, but they fell into a trap set by Palestinian fighters. The ambush resulted in an intense firefight. The Israeli soldiers managed to escape the trap, but the incident raised concerns about the possibility of a ground invasion.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported a devastating toll on its staff. UNRWA confirmed that 29 of its colleagues in Gaza have been killed since October 7. Among the casualties, half were teachers, underscoring the severe impact of the conflict on essential humanitarian workers in the region.
