Israeli tanks advanced into Deir al-Balah for the first time on Monday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The city, already crowded with Palestinians displaced by over 21 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, now faces intensified military action alongside a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Following Israel’s evacuation orders aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure, hundreds of residents fled west or south in search of safety. Local medics reported that tank shelling hit houses and mosques, resulting in at least three deaths and several injuries.
“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. “These locations – as with all civilian sites – must be protected, regardless of evacuation orders.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported attacks on its staff residence and main warehouse in the city. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that two staff members and two family members were detained by the Israeli military. Three were later released, but one staff member remains in detention.
Rising Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,000 wounded by Israeli military actions across the territory in the past 24 hours, one of the highest tolls in recent weeks.
The incursion into Deir al-Balah and the increasing number of casualties are complicating efforts to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. A Hamas official expressed frustration over the mounting death toll and hunger crisis, indicating it could impact talks on a potential 60-day truce and hostage deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. backing.
Worsening Hunger Crisis as Aid Awaits
Journalists in Gaza are facing extreme food shortages, with the AFP journalists’ association warning that they risk starvation amid the ongoing blockade and strikes. “Since AFP was founded in August 1944, we have lost journalists in conflicts, we have had wounded and prisoners in our ranks, but none of us can recall seeing a colleague die of hunger,” the association stated.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the deteriorating conditions, noting an accelerating breakdown of humanitarian lifelines. “He deplores the growing reports of children and adults suffering from malnutrition,” said Dujarric.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported receiving desperate messages about starvation from Gaza, including from its own staff. Despite having enough food stockpiled outside Gaza to feed the entire population for over three months, the agency emphasized the need to “lift the siege and let aid in safely and at scale.”
On Monday, Britain and over 20 other countries called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, criticizing Israel’s aid delivery methods in a joint statement. They urged a negotiated ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unimpeded flow of much-needed aid. Israel rejected the statement, claiming it was disconnected from reality and sent the wrong message to Hamas.
A Plea for Peace
The people of Gaza continue to endure immense hardship, caught in the crossfire of a prolonged conflict. As the hunger crisis worsens and casualties rise, international organizations and nations are urging for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and move towards a peaceful resolution.
