Gaza, 31 October, 2023 (GNP): As a part of its ground operation Israel launched a major ground offensive three days ago, attacking northern Gaza from two sides. Reportedly there have been deadly battles Israeli ground forces and Hamas fighters.
The Israeli military has reported striking over 600 targets, resulting in a significant rise in the Palestinian death toll, which now stands at 8,306.
According to reports from Gaza residents and the Hamas-run government’s media office, Israeli tanks have withdrawn towards the fortified fence surrounding the besieged enclave. The Hamas armed wing has stated that intense mortar fire pushed the tanks back, and reported that its fighters are engaging Israeli forces in the region.
Hamas has also released a video showing three of 200 individuals seized by them group during raid on October 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named the prisoners as Yelena Trupanov, Daniel Aloni, and Rimon Kirsht.
New released video of Israeli hostages. pic.twitter.com/HbvmglYNE0
— Mohammed El-Kurd (@m7mdkurd) October 30, 2023
Whereas in the West Bank, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the midst of increased violence. The Israeli army cited encounters with explosive devices during a raid in Jenin and labeled an incursion near Hebron as a “counter-terrorism operation.”
Also Read: Forced evictions plague West Bank amidst Gaza conflict
Response of international community
In response to recent developments in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, the international community has expressed concern and sought to address the escalating situation.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has asserted his commitment to preventing his country from becoming embroiled in the conflict, despite recent cross-border exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel.
The United Nations has reported that all ten hospitals in northern Gaza have received evacuation orders, raising concerns for the welfare of patients and displaced individuals. In addition, four UN aid centers and a storage site in Gaza have been disrupted, leaving the local population in dire need of essential supplies such as food and water.
The crisis in the region has reached critical proportions, and humanitarian organizations, governments, and world leaders are appealing for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to bring an end to this long-standing and devastating conflict.
