WASHINGTON/GAZA/JERUSALEM- Gaza City remains a battleground as Israeli forces and Hamas fighters engage in street battles amid a month-long conflict. Hamas has been using underground tunnels to launch ambushes against Israeli troops, leading to fierce clashes.
Israel's military has reported advancing deep into Gaza City, while Hamas claims to have inflicted significant casualties on Israeli forces.
The conflict began following a cross-border raid by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostage-taking, according to Israeli reports.
The Palestinian death toll has reached 10,569, with 40% of the casualties being children, as reported by Palestinian officials. Israel has confirmed the loss of 33 soldiers.
The United States has initiated discussions with Israeli and Arab leaders about the future of Gaza without Hamas rule. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that post-war governance should not involve the reoccupation of Gaza, blockade, or territorial reduction.However, he suggested a potential transition period.
Blinken emphasized the importance of Palestinian-led governance and the unification of Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. In contrast, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel might retain security responsibility for Gaza after the conflict, leading to uncertainties about the region's future.
The Palestinian Authority envisions Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state, while Hamas aims to challenge the status quo and continue its struggle against Israel.
Israeli military officials have been targeting and destroying Hamas' extensive tunnel network, which extends for hundreds of kilometers beneath Gaza. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and concealing arms and operations in residential areas.
Civilians in Gaza have been urged to evacuate the northern areas to avoid being trapped in the ongoing violence.
A reported Israeli airstrike near Jabalia refugee camp in north Gaza resulted in casualties and prompted appeals for a humanitarian pause from U.N. officials and G7 world powers. Negotiations, mediated by Qatar, are underway to secure the release of hostages in exchange for a brief humanitarian ceasefire.