The Israeli military has announced that ground troops, supported by airstrikes, have initiated an operation in central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp. Reports from local hospital officials indicate that an airstrike in the camp resulted in the death of 11 Palestinians, including three children and a woman.
The full extent of the Israeli presence in the urban refugee camp on Tuesday is still unclear. The military’s statement described the operation as a “precision operation” aimed at Hamas positions.
Israel at War
Israel declares 4 more hostages are dead in Gaza, including 3 older men
3:29 PM, Jun 03, 2024
The Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza are taking place amidst waiting for responses from Israel and Hamas to a proposed cease-fire and hostage release plan, facilitated by international mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
A senior Hamas official stated on Tuesday that the group will not agree to a deal with Israel unless it includes a clear permanent cease-fire and full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Despite U.S. President Joe Biden announcing the three-phase plan, Israeli leaders have distanced themselves from the proposal and vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is defeated.
According to the Health Ministry, Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have resulted in the death of over 36,000 Palestinians, with no distinction made between combatants and civilians. The expanding offensive in the city of Rafah has severely limited access to essential supplies for Palestinians, leading to widespread hunger.
The conflict in Gaza was sparked by a Hamas attack on October 7, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. It is believed that about 80 hostages from that incident are still being held captive in Gaza, along with the remains of 43 others.