Israeli tanks push deeper into Gaza City as death toll rises

Israeli airstrikes and shelling have killed at least 77 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health officials.

Israeli airstrikes and shelling have killed at least 77 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health officials. Six of the victims were people waiting in line for humanitarian aid. Two more bodies were pulled from destroyed buildings.

Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, more than 66,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and over 168,000 have been injured, health authorities said.

On Sunday, Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City’s residential areas. Residents and medics reported that tanks moved into the neighborhoods of Sabra, Tel al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan, and al-Naser. These areas are home to hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Emergency crews said they have received dozens of calls for help but were unable to reach many locations due to the heavy bombardment. Entire families remain trapped in their homes.

Israel launched its ground operation in Gaza City on September 16 after weeks of escalating strikes. Thousands of Palestinians fled in panic, but many remain inside the city, fearing for their lives.

At the same time, disagreements have surfaced within Israel’s government. Ministers from far-right parties have publicly rejected any possible deal regarding Gaza. They insist that the war must continue until Hamas is completely defeated.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote that Prime Minister Netanyahu “has no mandate to end the war without defeating Hamas.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that he would never accept the creation of a Palestinian state, regardless of the cost.

Meanwhile, fears are growing around Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza. Tanks have moved close to the hospital, restricting access. The hospital’s director, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, said that bombardments have been constant. He added that 159 patients are currently being treated inside, many of them in critical condition.