Israeli strikes pound Gaza City as ground forces battle Hamas near major hospital

The Israeli strikes in Gaza City are primarily focused on targeting Hamas militants in dense urban neighborhoods near a major hospital where Palestinians are sheltering. Israel aims to weaken Hamas, which it considers a threat, and regain control over the area.

Shifa Hospital is mentioned because the Israeli military claims that it serves as Hamas’ main command center and that senior militant leaders are hiding there. However, both Hamas and hospital staff deny this claim, asserting that the military is using it as a pretext to strike the hospital.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are described as dire. The region has been without running water for weeks, and the lack of fuel has led to the shutdown of all bakeries. Hospitals are running low on supplies, and surgeries are being performed without anesthesia. The World Health Organization reports the spread of infectious diseases due to a lack of clean water and bathing facilities in shelters.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire involve several parties, including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. These mediators are working on a potential three-day ceasefire deal that would also involve the release of hostages held by Hamas and the entry of a small amount of fuel into Gaza, which is currently reliant on generators for electricity.

The text states that more than 10,500 Palestinians, primarily women and minors, have been killed in Gaza during the conflict, with thousands of Palestinian militants also reported dead. Israel has suffered over 1,400 casualties, mostly civilians, and 32 of its soldiers have been killed. The conflict has led to extensive damage and displacement of the population in Gaza and Israel, with ongoing rocket attacks from Palestinian militants into Israel.