Israeli Forces Escalate Military Pressure on Gaza Amid Ceasefire Efforts
Gaza City, July 9, 2024: Israeli forces intensified their military operations in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinians. This escalation comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations involving Qatari and Egyptian mediators, backed by the United States, aimed at ending the conflict and facilitating the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
The incursion saw Israeli tanks advancing further into districts such as Shejaia, Sabra, and Tel Al-Hawa in Gaza City. Local residents reported fierce clashes, with Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants responding with anti-tank rockets and mortar fire. Israeli military actions included airstrikes that killed multiple Palestinians across various locations in Gaza.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned that these military actions could derail the negotiation process, which seeks to establish a ceasefire and address the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive, according to Gaza health officials.
Despite the heightened military activity, efforts to broker a ceasefire continue, with mediators striving to find a resolution to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.