At least 81 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes and forced starvation since dawn on Wednesday, reports Al Jazeera.
In addition to the deaths from direct violence, three Palestinians reportedly died of starvation on Wednesday, bringing the total number of hunger-related fatalities to 269. Among those, 112 are children, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, reports Al Jazeera.
Reuters reported that the Israeli military has commenced the first stage of its operation to seize Gaza City, a densely populated area where nearly a million people remain trapped in perilous conditions. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin provided details of the assault, stating, "We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organisation."
Defrin confirmed that Israeli troops have already begun encircling the outskirts of Gaza City. In a statement following a clash with Hamas south of Khan Younis on Wednesday, he remarked, "Hamas is now a 'battered and bruised' guerrilla force," emphasising the military's ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas's presence in the region.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with widespread reports of civilian casualties and a severe shortage of food, medical supplies, and necessities. The conflict has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with millions of lives at risk in the ongoing violence.
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