Israeli forces launched overnight airstrikes across Gaza, killing at least 50 people, according to hospital officials. The attacks targeted multiple areas, including Khan Younis and Gaza City, where hospitals reported receiving numerous bodies, including children and a pregnant woman.
At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, medical staff confirmed that five children were among the dead. European Hospital near the city reported 19 more deaths, including five children and a pregnant woman. In Gaza City, Ahli Hospital received the bodies of seven children along with other casualties.
Military Orders Evacuation as Fighting Escalates
The Israeli military ordered residents in parts of Gaza to evacuate, warning them to seek shelter west of Gaza City. The army announced it would act “with extreme force” in these areas, as operations against Hamas continue.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure. The military says its actions aim to pressure the group into releasing hostages and surrendering. Residents fear further violence, as previous evacuation orders have often been followed by intensified attacks.
Netanyahu Announces New Security Corridor in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed plans for a new security corridor called the Morag Axis. This route will separate Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, from the rest of the territory. Netanyahu compared the project to the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
According to Netanyahu, controlling these corridors will increase pressure on Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Israel already controls the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors, which link the Israeli border to the sea. The new corridor is expected to further isolate southern Gaza, raising concerns among Palestinians and international observers.
Israel Expands Security Zones in Gaza
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to seize more land in Gaza to create additional security zones. The military has already established buffer zones along the territory’s perimeter. Katz urged Gaza residents to push Hamas to surrender and release hostages.
Israel’s expansion into Gaza has led to growing fears among Palestinians that permanent land seizures could follow. While Israeli officials insist these zones are for security, many see them as steps toward long-term control.
Palestinian Authority Rejects Israel’s Corridor Plan
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, condemned Israel’s new security corridor. It also called on Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza, amid rising public frustration over the group’s rule.
Rare protests against Hamas have emerged inside Gaza, signaling discontent with its leadership. The PA’s Fatah leadership has called for Palestinian unity and a clear strategy for governance and ceasefire negotiations.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Blockade Continues
Israel has blocked food, fuel, and aid from entering Gaza for more than a month. Supplies are running out, and civilians face worsening hunger and critical shortages of medicine and clean water.
Humanitarian organizations report that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Many hospitals are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are scarce. Aid groups warn that without immediate relief, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate further.
Hostage Talks Stalled as Hamas Sets Conditions
Hamas has stated it will only release remaining hostages if Israel agrees to three demands:
- A full military withdrawal from Gaza.
- A permanent ceasefire.
- The release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel has rejected these conditions, insisting that military pressure will continue until Hamas releases all hostages and disarms. According to Israeli intelligence, Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, with at least 24 believed to be alive.
War Stems from October 2023 Attack
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel. The attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the capture of 251 hostages.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has displaced nearly 90% of the population. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, with no clear path to peace as the war enters its 18th month.
