September, Friday 20, 2024

Israeli forces launch heavy airstrikes in southern Gaza city amidst the delivery of medical supplies to hostages


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Residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza have reported experiencing one of the most intense nights of air strikes since the beginning of Israel's offensive. Videos circulating online show flames illuminating the night sky as the sounds of Israeli bombings and gunfire echo throughout the city. Displaced families are fleeing from a local hospital as the fighting draws closer. Meanwhile, under a Qatar-mediated deal, medicines are being sent for Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for additional aid for Palestinian civilians. The White House has confirmed that very serious discussions about a potential new hostage release deal are taking place, with the involvement of a US envoy. Yasser Zaqzouq, who is seeking refuge at Nasser Hospital with his family, stated that this is the most intense armed clash he has ever witnessed, and the scenes of air strikes have left everyone terrified, with children screaming and crying. Local journalist Tariq Dahlan notes that there is a state of panic among displaced individuals in the hospital, as they scramble to escape towards the West with an uncertain fate. Israeli tanks are reported to be just meters away from the hospital. In related news, the Jordanian army announced that its military field hospital in Khan Younis has suffered severe damage due to Israeli shelling. The army holds Israel accountable for this clear violation of international law. The United Nations estimates that the conflict has resulted in approximately 85% of Gaza's population, or 2.3 million people, being displaced and struggling to access essential supplies. A joint statement from various UN special rapporteurs highlights the dire situation, stating that everyone in Gaza is hungry, 25% of the population is starving, and famine is imminent. In an attempt to alleviate the situation, Israel's Defense Minister has said that the intense military operations against Hamas will soon wind down in the south of Gaza, including Khan Younis. However, the return of Israeli tanks to areas previously vacated by ground forces has prompted some Gazans who intended to return home to reconsider. Israeli military officials have warned that the fighting will persist for months. Qatar has announced that medicines are being transported to Gaza as part of a deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, with the involvement of Qatari representatives in the region. The logistics of delivering these medicines to the more than 100 remaining Israeli hostages, many of whom require life-saving drugs for chronic diseases, remain unclear. Nevertheless, the agreement also includes a significant increase in medicines for Palestinians. The White House has expressed optimism that a new deal to free the hostages can be reached soon, with both Qatar and Egypt aiming to halt the fighting through their mediation efforts.