Aug 22, 2024 01:30 UTC
| Updated:
Aug 22, 2024 at 01:30 UTC
Gaza Watch: Israeli Attacks Expand to Central Areas as Diplomatic Efforts Stall
The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated with intense ground operations by the Israeli army in central Gaza, specifically targeting areas such as Deir el-Balah near Khan Younis. The situation remains dire as the Gaza Health Ministry reports further casualties and injuries. Alongside ground operations, Israel continues to launch airstrikes, some of which have resulted in civilian casualties, including those taking refuge in schools and encampments.
On a wider regional scale, Israel carried out an assassination in Lebanon, targeting a key figure allegedly linked to Hezbollah and Iran. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts, led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to negotiate a ceasefire have yet to yield a conclusive result. The conflict continues to cause severe devastation, claiming thousands of lives and further destabilizing the region.
Central Gaza Ground Operations
- Israeli forces have issued new evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, focusing on Deir el-Balah near Khan Younis, signaling the expansion of ground operations from southern Gaza.
- Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 50 Palestinians have been killed, and 124 wounded in the last 24 hours due to Israeli attacks on Gaza.
- Displaced civilians in the area face extreme danger, as Israeli forces fire into crowds, resulting in further casualties.
Assassination in Lebanon
- Israel assassinated Khalil al-Muqdah, a commander in the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, in a drone strike in Sidon, Lebanon, located 40km (25 miles) south of Beirut.
- Israeli officials accused al-Muqdah of collaborating with Hezbollah and Iran to smuggle weapons into the occupied West Bank.
- Senior Fatah official Tawfiq Tirawy condemned the assassination, stating that “Israel is using this assassination to try to provoke a regional war.”
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
- Several devastating airstrikes by Israel have targeted civilian infrastructure, with Salah al-Din School in Gaza City being struck, killing four people and injuring 18.
- An attack on a tent encampment in Bani Suhaila near Khan Younis killed seven Palestinians, including two children and five women.
- The Palestinian Civil Defence reported that “two people were killed and 15 injured in the strike on Salah al-Din School.”
- In response, the Israeli military claimed the strike was “a precise attack on Hamas terrorists.”
Expanding Regional Conflict
- Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, hitting homes and injuring one person.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, visited the Golan Heights, calling for an “unequivocal” and “clear response” from Israel. He advocated for a “campaign” to be launched in retaliation.
Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomatic Stalemate
- Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, concluded his Middle East tour aimed at securing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Despite negotiations, no agreement has been reached.
- Blinken met with Qatari leaders after talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, confirming that Israel had accepted a “bridging proposal” but emphasized the challenge in getting Hamas on board.
- Families of Israeli captives held by Hamas expressed their frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu. They accused him of delaying the ceasefire deal to “stay in power” and continue the war, stating that “time kills the abductees and takes away the chance to return the living.”
- As of now, at least 40,223 people have been killed, and 92,981 wounded in the conflict. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, and over 200 people were taken captive.
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