This morning Israeli tanks entered Gaza City from multiple directions this morning, marking one of the most intense attacks since October 7, Reuters reports. Local residents describe the scene as one of the fiercest attacks in recent times, writes BTA.
Civilian emergency services in Gaza are bracing for a grim reality, suspecting that dozens may have died in the eastern neighborhoods. Relentless clashes in certain areas, however, made it impossible for rescue teams to reach those potentially stranded or injured.
The Israeli military has publicly declared that its forces are targeting what it describes as extremist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. In their efforts, they claim to have neutralized more than 30 militants considered a threat to Israel's security.
Israel's nine-month-long offensive appears to have had a significant impact on the Gaza Strip, possibly influencing Hamas to reconsider its ceasefire terms. According to the Associated Press, citing sources in the Middle East and the United States, there has been a noticeable softening of Hamas's demands.
Over the weekend, the group surprisingly dropped its insistence on an Israeli commitment to an end to hostilities as a precondition for ceasefire talks. The development brought a dose of optimism to the ongoing peace talks, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting that military pressure was a key factor in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table.
Despite these developments, Hamas remains largely an enigma, with its internal actions and decision-making processes shrouded in secrecy. The unfolding situation in Gaza City marks a critical moment in the conflict, with international observers closely monitoring the humanitarian impact and the potential for diplomatic progress.