Israel-Hamas War: Over 400,000 civilians evacuated as Israel raids Gaza, war toll tops 3,200

The Israeli military on Friday confirmed conducting temporary raids in Gaza aimed at combating militants but clarified that this did not signify the commencement of a ground invasion.

Hamas’ media office said warplanes targeted vehicles heading south, killing over 70 people. Several demonstrations were held across the Middle East, notably in Jordan and Bahrain, drawing thousands of people to offer solidarity. Amid this crisis, the Palestinian United Nations envoy implored Secretary-General Guterres to take decisive action, characterizing the situation as a “crime against humanity.”

Meanwhile, the appeal for a safe passage for Palestinians from Gaza were rebuffed by neighboring Arab nations, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasizing the importance of Palestinian people’s steadfast presence on their homeland.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the establishment of secure zones in Gaza to facilitate the relocation of civilians. The first US State Department-organized charter flight evacuating Americans from Israel touched down in Athens. President Biden said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a priority while affirming the commitment to the safe return of Americans held captive by Hamas.

The Israeli military, anticipating a potential escalation in the West Bank, remained on high alert. A Reuters journalist was killed while working in southern Lebanon. Israel’s military, in response to the intrusion of unidentified aerial objects into its territory, reported striking a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon.