The Israel Defence Forces announced that in the past 24 hours, Israeli fighter jets struck 450 Hamas targets in Gaza and troops seized a militant compound 1. The airstrikes resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, according to the Palestinian enclave’s health ministry 2.
A Reuters journalist in the Gaza Strip described the overnight bombardment from the air, ground, and sea as one of the most intense since Israel launched its offensive in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,400 people, including several Canadians 3.
Israel has encircled Gaza City and is facing mounting pressure to avoid civilian casualties after refusing to countenance a ceasefire until the hostages are released. A U.S. diplomatic blitz in the region is intended to reduce risks of the conflict escalating 4.