Israel Launches Intensive Military Offensive In Southern Gaza, Us Urges Caution

Israel's military conducted a significant bombardment on the main city in southern Gaza, marking the fiercest fighting since the commencement of its ground invasion against Hamas five weeks ago. The U.S. once again pressed Israel to minimize civilian casualties among Palestinians. Israeli forces, supported by warplanes, reached the heart of Khan Younis and surrounded the city, engaging in violent clashes with Hamas' armed wing, the al Qassam Brigades. General Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the Israeli military's Southern Command, described it as the most intense day since the ground operation began. The combat also marked the most intense since the collapse of the truce between Israel and Hamas last week. Israeli forces were involved in fighting in Jabalia, a large refugee camp and Hamas stronghold, and in Shuja'iyya to the east. Hamas' armed wing claimed to have killed or wounded eight Israeli troops and destroyed 24 military vehicles on Tuesday. The Israeli military reported two troop deaths for the day and 83 since the ground operation's initiation. Gaza health officials reported civilian casualties in an Israeli strike on houses in Deir al-Balah, north of Khan Younis. Dr. Eyad Al-Jabri of Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital stated that at least 45 people were killed, other details are yet to be verified.