The conflict in Gaza escalated as Israeli forces intensified their air and ground operations on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, according to local medics. Over half of the casualties were reported in northern Gaza, where the Israeli military has conducted a month-long campaign to target Hamas strongholds.
The latest strikes have sparked accusations from Palestinians, who describe the evacuations and offensive as “ethnic cleansing” intended to clear residents from areas in northern Gaza to establish buffer zones. Israel refutes these claims, asserting that its actions are solely aimed at neutralizing Hamas militants operating within the region.
In Beit Lahiya and the Jabalia refugee camp—historically the largest in Gaza and a focal point of recent military operations—13 people were reportedly killed in strikes on residential areas. An additional 10 people lost their lives in air raids on Gaza City and southern areas of the enclave.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet commented on Sunday’s operations. However, on Saturday, a new army division was deployed to Jabalia, joining two other battalions engaged since October 5 in what the IDF describes as “battles” that have killed hundreds of Palestinian militants.
Despite limited humanitarian pauses meant to enable health interventions, the Gaza health ministry reports that ongoing attacks in northern Gaza have prevented thousands of children from receiving polio vaccinations. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned an incident in which a clinic administering vaccines was hit, injuring four children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the attack violated the humanitarian truce, risking further health hazards by deterring parents from vaccinating their children.
Efforts for a broader ceasefire, which would facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israel, remain stalled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that peace can only be achieved through the elimination of Hamas, while Hamas seeks a permanent end to hostilities rather than temporary truces.
The conflict, triggered by a Hamas-led incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in more than 43,000 Palestinian casualties as of the latest reports.