Intensified Israeli Operations in Gaza Raise Concerns

Media reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have continued their artillery shelling campaign along the eastern border, resulting in the destruction of more residential buildings in various parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah. The ongoing military operations seem to be part of a broader effort to clear the entire eastern area, possibly to establish a buffer zone.

The Israeli military has increased its activities in the central part, issuing evacuation orders in Rafah city, where a large number of displaced Palestinians seek refuge. The situation is particularly critical, given that this area originally had a population of 260,000. The conflict escalated when Israel launched a ground offensive on October 27 in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, at least 21,110 Palestinians, including many children and women, have lost their lives, and 53,688 others have been injured, underscoring the humanitarian impact of the conflict.