On Tuesday, Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza reached its 200th day, sparking fears of a potential ground assault in the densely populated southern region. The Israeli army launched a heavy shelling campaign overnight in neighborhoods such as Tuffah, Shujayea, and Zeitun, with additional strikes hitting southwest Gaza, Khan Younis, and the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps.
The military reported targeting several Hamas positions in southern Gaza, including observation and launch posts, hitting approximately 25 locations with warplanes. Since October 7, the offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 34,183 individuals, primarily women and children, according to the Palestinian health ministry’s latest update on Tuesday, which reported 32 deaths within the previous 24 hours.
Israel’s airstrikes have caused widespread destruction in Gaza, with over 75,000 tonnes of explosives decimating civilian infrastructure. The Government Media Office in Gaza disclosed that 380,000 housing units, 412 schools, 556 mosques, three churches, and 206 historical sites have been damaged or destroyed. Moreover, 32 hospitals, 53 health centers, and 126 ambulances have been incapacitated, estimating economic losses at least $30bn.
Recently, Palestinian residents in Gaza faced a new wave of tragedy as the Civil Defense agency uncovered approximately 200 bodies at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis within three days of Israeli forces withdrawing from the medical facility, highlighting the ongoing devastation and loss endured by Gaza’s population.