The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes claiming the lives of at least 18 people across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Monday morning. Among the victims were 10 members of the Al-Qassas family, killed in an airstrike that struck their home in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The attack, which also left 15 injured, was confirmed by Gaza’s civil defense agency. This tragic incident highlights the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict.
The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll from the war has now surpassed 41,226, with 95,413 people wounded since the conflict erupted following Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7. At least 20 people were killed in the previous 24 hours, underscoring the relentless nature of the violence.
Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages show no signs of easing, despite ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire. Negotiations, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, remain stalled due to conflicting demands. A key point of contention is control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border strip between Gaza and Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on maintaining control of the corridor to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza. Hamas, however, demands Israel’s complete withdrawal from the territory.
Domestic pressure on Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is mounting. This agreement would involve a swap of remaining hostages in Gaza for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The war between Israel and Hamas has drawn in other Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. On Sunday, a long-range ballistic missile fired from Yemen hit central Israel, sparking fire. This marks the first time a missile fired by the group has reached central Israel, which is around 2,000km from Yemen.
The situation along the Lebanon border is also volatile, with Hezbollah remaining active. Israel’s defense minister Yoav Gallant has informed his US counterpart Lloyd Austin that time is running out for an agreement with Hezbollah to halt the fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border. The conflict’s ramifications continue to expand, posing a threat to regional stability and international security.
