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Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza have resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians, as reported by Hamas. The offensive continued after the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the militant group.
Hamas claimed that at least 73 individuals, mostly women and children, were killed in Beit Lahiya on Saturday. The total number of Palestinians killed in northern Gaza since Friday night has exceeded 100, according to officials in the region.
The Israeli military disputed the numbers provided by Gazan authorities, stating that they were exaggerated. They mentioned that their target was a Hamas location.
Israel’s operations in northern Gaza coincide with efforts by western and Arab nations to use Sinwar’s death as a catalyst for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the strip.
However, Israel has also been engaged in conflicts in Lebanon, launching strikes in Beirut and conducting a ground offensive against Hizbollah in the south.
In northern Gaza, the Israeli military has carried out operations resulting in numerous casualties. Palestinian health authorities reported that at least 33 individuals were killed in the Jabalia refugee camp on Friday night.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to achieve its war objectives and alter the security situation in the region for future generations.
He accused Hizbollah of attempting to assassinate him after a drone strike targeted a structure in Caesarea, where Netanyahu’s residence is located. Fortunately, no one was harmed as Netanyahu and his wife were not present at the time.
One individual was killed and 10 were injured in northern Israel by rockets launched by Hizbollah.
Hizbollah has declared a new phase in its confrontation with Israel, aiming to regroup following recent setbacks, including the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel has continued its airstrikes across Lebanon, including targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut and a Christian area.
After the killing of Sinwar, the US has expressed its commitment to ending the conflict in Gaza, which is crucial for stabilizing the situation between Israel and Hizbollah.
Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza for any deal to release hostages and stop the fighting. Netanyahu, on the other hand, demands that Hamas disarm and release the captives for the war to end.
Netanyahu has rejected a permanent ceasefire or withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza, where the offensive has caused significant casualties.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that 20,000 people were forced to flee Jabalia due to the ongoing conflict, leading to critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies in the remaining hospitals.
Two out of three hospitals in northern Gaza have been directly hit, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.