Israel strikes the outskirts of Gaza City during a second ground raid in as many days

Israeli forces, supported by fighter jets and drones, conducted a second ground raid into Gaza in as many days. They struck targets on the outskirts of Gaza City. This is part of their preparations for a widely expected ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory.

U.S. warplanes have struck targets in eastern Syria, which the Pentagon stated were linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. These strikes were carried out in response to a series of attacks on American forces in the region.

The Palestinian death toll has risen to over 7,000 people. This toll includes more than 2,900 minors and more than 1,500 women. It’s important to note that this overall number of deaths far exceeds the combined toll of all four previous wars between Israel and Hamas, which was estimated at around 4,000.

The airstrikes have resulted in the destruction of entire neighborhoods, causing extensive death and damage. Over a million people have been forced to flee their homes, with many following Israeli evacuation orders to move to the south despite ongoing strikes in the sealed-off territory.

The humanitarian crisis sparked by the war and the Israeli siege has led to protests across the region. Supplies of food, medicine, and fuel are running low in Gaza, and the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees warns that it may run out of fuel within days. The situation is dire, with many residents displaced and in need of assistance.

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed ally of Hamas in Lebanon, has engaged in conflicts with Israel along the border. The United States has deployed significant military assets to the region to deter Iran and its allies from entering the conflict on the side of Hamas.

International aid, including humanitarian supplies, is struggling to reach Gaza. Israel has allowed some aid to enter through the Rafah crossing controlled by Egypt, but it’s insufficient to meet the growing humanitarian needs. Israel is demanding strict screening to prevent aid from falling into the hands of Hamas, and this has created challenges in delivering aid to the population.

Gaza’s sole power station shut down due to a lack of fuel, and Israel has barred all fuel deliveries, fearing that Hamas would use them for military purposes. This has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.