Airstrike Targets Residence of Hamas Chief as Israel Intensifies Campaign; U.S. Envoy Advances Aid Talks

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The Israeli defense forces launched an airstrike that struck the residence of Hamas’ leader in the outskirts of Gaza City on Saturday, amidst an ongoing assault within the embattled region where a deepening humanitarian disaster looms.

Critical shortages of food, water, and essential fuel for generators that keep hospitals running have emerged, prompting calls from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an immediate halt to hostilities to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“The dire circumstances in Gaza are appalling,” declared Guterres late Friday, employing stern language. “A traumatized population finds no refuge, as safety remains elusive.”

Amidst these tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been active in the region since Friday, is seeking ways to alleviate civilian suffering and is engaging with Arab foreign ministers. His efforts are made complex by Israel’s firm stance against a ceasefire until the release of all individuals held by Hamas is secured.

Additional Developments and Coverage:

• Diplomatic Endeavors: Blinken works to rally Arab backing for Gaza’s recovery post-conflict as Israel’s offensive intensifies.
• Life in Gaza: A UN representative reports that Gazans are subsisting on a mere two slices of bread per day.
• Ceasefire Resistance: Israel defies U.S. appeals for a conflict suspension to enhance Gaza aid, prioritizing the return of hostages.

Guterres acknowledged the past atrocities committed by Hamas militants during their offensive against Israel nearly a month ago, emphasizing the necessity to safeguard civilians and civilian structures. He denounced the use of civilians as shields and demanded the release of approximately 240 individuals reportedly held captive by Hamas.

An airstrike targeted the dwelling of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ exiled leader, early Saturday, though immediate details on casualties or damage were not provided. Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad confirmed that Haniyeh’s sons were using the house.

In the densely populated refugee camp which has integrated into Gaza City over generations, Haniyeh’s home, nestled in a narrow lane, was struck. Haniyeh, once an aide to the late Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin who was killed in a 2004 Israeli airstrike, has lived in exile since 2019.

Other overnight strikes occurred in various parts of the city, with one close to Al-Quds Hospital.

Adly Abu Taha, a resident and shelter-seeker at the hospital for three weeks, expressed his anxiety as bombardments increasingly encroach upon the hospital.

“We are at a loss for a safe destination,” he expressed via telephone.

A large segment of Gaza’s population remains in the city and scattered throughout northern areas.

Israel defends its operations, citing Hamas’ substantial military presence in the city, which includes underground networks and command centers, and maintains that its targets are military in nature, accusing the militants of using civilians as cover.

The Israeli military has encircled the city, advising civilians to move south to avoid the conflict, yet strikes continue in the southern regions, claiming lives of Hamas members and civilians alike.

Raed Mattar, now at a southern school after evacuating from the north, described the ongoing tension with persistent nearby explosions.

“The bombardment is relentless,” Mattar said. “Rest is impossible.”

During his visit, Blinken departed Israel for Jordan on November 3, 2023, intent on ensuring that Gaza receives more humanitarian aid.

Approximately 1.5 million Gazans have been displaced, according to UN data.

An early Saturday strike in Khan Younis city center leveled a family home, killing a child among others, as emergency teams rescued survivors from the debris.

The Israeli military also reported their ground forces’ engagement in the south, countering attacks and neutralizing militants emerging from tunnels.

Along Israel’s northern frontier, hostilities persist with strikes on Lebanese militants attempting to attack Israel and on a Hezbollah observation position.

Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in frequent skirmishes since the conflict’s onset, inciting concerns of a potential expansion of the war zone.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, hinted at possible escalation while indicating a restrained approach to avoid full-scale conflict.

Diplomatic Efforts

Blinken’s recent visit to Tel Aviv marked his third since the conflict escalated. He echoed President Joe Biden’s urgent plea for a temporary cessation to address the spiraling crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, insists on resolving the hostage situation first.

Blinken’s subsequent meetings in Amman with regional diplomats reflect a complex picture of shared concerns and deep-seated distrust toward Israel.

Blinken’s agenda includes discussions on aid distribution, foreign evacuations, hostage release, and a potential Arab role in Gaza’s future post-conflict.

The Arab response remains cautious, acknowledging the grave toll of Israel’s military operations but attributing the Gaza situation to Israel’s actions.

Escalating Casualties

Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported over 9,200 Palestinian fatalities, including 3,600 children. The Israeli side has suffered over 1,400 deaths, predominantly civilians during Hamas’ initial assault. Continued rocket fire from Gaza disrupts daily life across Israel.

Israeli military casualties in Gaza total 24 since the ground operation commenced.

Casualties are expected to rise as the offensive deepens within the densely populated Gaza City.

More than 386 Palestinians with dual citizenship and those injured have crossed into Egypt, with the total evacuations since Wednesday surpassing 1,115.

Reports by Magdy from Cairo and Rising from Bangkok, with contributions by Matthew Lee in Amman, Jordan, and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem.

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(Note: For accurate and current information, please refer to the latest reports and updates from reliable news sources.)

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More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• United Nations News on Gaza
• U.S. Department of State Press Releases
• The Times of Israel Coverage
• Al Jazeera’s Israel-Hamas Conflict Updates
• BBC Middle East Conflict Report
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza – ReliefWeb
• The Guardian’s Israel-Gaza Conflict Reporting