Israeli tanks rolled into Deir al-Balah on Monday, marking the first time they breached the southern and eastern districts of the besieged Gazan city. Decades-old mosques and family homes trembled as shelling left at least three Palestinians dead and multiple others wounded, according to local medics.
For more than 21 months, Deir al-Balah has harbored thousands of internally displaced Palestinians fleeing earlier waves of violence. Recent evacuation orders drove hundreds further west or south, as Israeli forces aimed to dismantle Hamas infrastructure.
The UN sounded alarms over repeated strikes on civilian sites. "UN staff remain in Deir al-Balah, and two UN guesthouses have been struck, despite parties having been informed of the locations of UN premises, which are inviolable," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, urging all sides to protect noncombatants.
The World Health Organization confirmed its staff residence and main warehouse were hit, detaining two WHO staff and two family members. Three were released, while one remains in detention, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported.
Gaza’s Health Ministry recorded at least 130 deaths and over 1,000 injuries from Israeli strikes and gunfire in the past 24 hours—the highest toll in recent weeks. These numbers underscore a deepening hunger crisis as aid routes shrink and essential supplies run low.
Amid these escalating tensions, ceasefire talks brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. support, face new hurdles. A senior Hamas official warned that rising casualties and the worsening humanitarian situation could derail negotiations on a proposed 60-day truce and hostage exchange.
As Deir al-Balah’s streets echo with fear and uncertainty, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that prioritizes civilian safety and sustainable relief.
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Israeli tanks enter Deir al-Balah as Gaza hunger crisis worsens
cgtn.com
