The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has claimed 241 people died on the in under 24 hours as Israel’s operation in the region continues
It comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared the war in Gaza a “grave crime”. Israel however claims the war with Hamas could continue for months, possibly up to two years.
Defence chief Herzi Halevi says more than 100 sites were hit on Tuesday. There are meanwhile talks the Israeli offensive could soon focus on central Gaza, reports the BBC.
Loud explosions could be heard across the perimeter with Israel. As well as 241 deaths, the health ministry recorded 382 injuries during the past day.
The ministry now says 20,915 Palestinians have been killed – mostly children and women – during the past 11 weeks of fighting. Claims however not been verified.
Fighting between Israel and Hamas has intensified after the terrorist group launched a surprise attack from Gaza on October 7. Around 1,200 people – mainly civilians – died in Israel with around 240 hostages captured.
Abbas described the conflict as “beyond catastrophe” saying it was a “war of annihilation.” Speaking in Ramallah to an Egyptian TV channel he said the Strip had “become unrecognisable.”
The Palestinian leader also hit-out at the USA for “prolonging” the war. It comes as it vetoed a plan for a UN resolution on a ceasefire demand.
Lt Gen Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), told a news conference that the war would “continue for many more months” to ensure that Israel’s “achievements are preserved for a long time”.
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to thoroughly dismantling a terrorist organisation except being stubborn and determined in the fighting,” he said. “There are no magic solutions.”
Egypt was reportedly trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The plan would see the phased release of all Israeli hostages and an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, before utlimately ending in a total ceasefire.