GAZA CITY: Israeli tanks advanced into the southern and eastern parts of Deir al-Balah in Gaza for the first time on Monday, targeting areas believed to be hiding hostages, according to Israeli sources. The densely populated region shelters many Palestinians displaced by over 21 months of conflict. Following evacuation orders, hundreds fled toward the west and south.
Shelling by Israeli tanks struck homes and mosques, killing at least three people and injuring several others, local medical officials reported.
The United Nations confirmed that its staff remained in Deir al-Balah despite the escalation. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that two U.N. guesthouses were hit even though their locations had been shared in advance, emphasizing that civilian and U.N. facilities must be protected regardless of evacuation notices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that its residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah were attacked. Two WHO staffers and two relatives were detained by Israeli forces. Three were later freed, but one remains in custody, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. Israel’s U.N. mission declined to comment.
Elsewhere in Gaza, an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed at least five people, including a family of four sheltering in a tent.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 injured in Israeli strikes over the last 24 hours — among the deadliest days recently.
Meanwhile, fears grow over famine, with 19 people reportedly dying from hunger since Saturday. Health officials warn of “mass deaths” if conditions persist.
