Israel Launches Tank-Backed Raids in Gaza
Israel’s military has confirmed daring “localised raids” in the Gaza Strip, with infantry units supported by tanks targeting Hamas rocket crews. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed these strikes aim to hunt down hostages taken last Saturday and gather vital intelligence.
Warnings Issued Amid Rising Tensions
More than a million residents in northern Gaza have been urged to flee as Israel prepares for a full-scale ground offensive. The government insists this mass evacuation is essential to protect civilians amid escalating conflict.
Putin Slams Potential Gaza Siege: “Unacceptable Civilian Toll”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired a stark warning against an Israeli siege of Gaza. He compared the scenario to the horrific Nazi siege of Leningrad, calling any such move “absolutely unacceptable” due to the expected civilian casualties. While condemning Hamas’ brutality, Putin urged caution and restraint.
UN Envoy Demands Urgent Action on Gaza Crisis
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour slammed current international efforts as insufficient. In a plea to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he called for decisive moves to stop what he described as a “crime against humanity.” Mansour warned Israel’s relentless airstrikes have sparked a humanitarian disaster, with Gaza facing a “second nakba” — a massive displacement echoing the 1948 Palestinian catastrophe.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Aid Access Slashed
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has voiced grave concerns about reaching 1.1 million Gazans ordered to evacuate within 24 hours. With a military siege choking the area, the ICRC warns aid groups will struggle to deliver life-saving support amid a spiralling crisis.
