Gaza Under Siege: Over 200 Israeli Airstrikes Ravage Strip
The crisis in Gaza has reached a new low after more than 200 Israeli air raids overnight smashed the besieged strip. The relentless bombardment has caused severe destruction and forced nearly 180,000 Palestinians to flee in the last 24 hours, says the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Thousands are now crammed into 83 UNRWA schools across Gaza, seeking shelter. Bread and essentials are being handed out in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) as the humanitarian disaster worsens.
Israel Launches Emergency Airlift to Europe
As the conflict escalates, Israel is scrambling to bolster its military ranks. Hercules planes are flying hundreds of Israeli reservists back from Europe. Officials have kept details of the exact locations under wraps, but the mobilisation signals a steady ramp-up in military readiness.
Europe Divided on Palestine Aid Suspension
The EU is torn over whether to cut aid to Palestinians amid the violence. Spanish Acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares urged continued support for Palestinian civilians, separating them from the terrorist group Hamas. Other EU nations, including Ireland, Luxembourg, Austria, and Spain, oppose halting aid, stressing that it benefits ordinary people.
The controversy erupted after EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi announced an immediate suspension of development payments. The move sparked backlash, forcing the EU to backtrack and confirm aid to Palestinians is under review but not stopped. EU foreign ministers will meet Tuesday to decide next steps.
Israeli Army Claims Control Near Gaza Fence
On the ground, the Israeli military says it has regained full control of the areas near the Gaza border fence. Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari told press that engineering teams are repairing fence breaches and clearing the zones.
Despite these efforts, a small number of Palestinian fighters remain holed up inside Israeli territory, keeping tensions dangerously high.
