Israel Continues Bombing Gaza Amid Claims of Hamas Dissolution.
Israel persists with its bombing campaign in Gaza, asserting that its efforts to dismantle Hamas have brought the Palestinian militant group to the “verge of dissolution.”
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns among humanitarian leaders about the potential for disease and starvation to overwhelm the besieged territory.
Fierce fighting marked Tuesday, with Hamas reporting clashes in central Gaza and witnesses detailing deadly Israeli strikes in the southern region. Targets on Monday included Gaza’s main southern city, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, a city on the border with Egypt, where tens of thousands seek shelter.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared on Monday, “Hamas is on the verge of dissolution—the IDF is taking over its last strongholds.”
The war began with Hamas’s October 7 attacks, leading to a military offensive by Israel that has resulted in significant casualties and extensive destruction.
Israel’s army chief, Herzi Halevi, visited Khan Yunis, emphasizing the securing of accomplishments in strategic areas. The conflict has displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population, with the UN estimating that 1.9 million out of 2.4 million people have been displaced.
The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, drawing parallels with the destruction faced by Germany during World War II. Gaza’s health services are severely impacted, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals functioning. The deteriorating sanitary conditions are causing significant hardships for civilians, including shortages of basic supplies.
International aid organizations have faced challenges delivering supplies to Gaza under Israeli bombardment. Responding to pressure, Israel announced additional checkpoints for screening aid to facilitate more assistance entering the territory.
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a non-binding resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, following the US vetoing a similar resolution in the Security Council. Fears of a wider conflict persist, with tensions escalating in the region, including attacks on US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria.