Israeli Forces Push into Deir al-Balah Amid Hostage Hunt, UN Warns of Humanitarian Collapse

Israeli tanks advanced into southern and eastern Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Monday, targeting suspected Hamas infrastructure and hostage locations, according to Israeli sources. The incursion triggered mass displacement, with hundreds of Palestinians fleeing under Israeli evacuation orders. Tank shelling hit homes and mosques, killing at least three and injuring several others, local medics reported.

UN staff and facilities were struck despite prior coordination, with two UN guesthouses and WHO’s staff residence and warehouse damaged. WHO said two staff and two family members were detained by Israeli forces, with one still in custody. An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed five people, including a family of four in a tent.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 130 deaths and 1,000 injuries in the past 24 hours — one of the deadliest recent counts. Officials warn of rising hunger deaths, with at least 19 people, including children, dying from starvation since Saturday. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the “collapse” of humanitarian access and urged Israel to allow unrestricted aid.

The Israeli military also raided a Red Cross-run field hospital, detaining Gaza’s head of field hospitals and killing a journalist. Such undercover operations are rare and raise concerns among aid groups.

Tensions may further stall ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., as Hamas expresses outrage over escalating civilian deaths and starvation. UNRWA said it has food supplies for all Gazans for over three months but cannot deliver due to the ongoing siege.

Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages, Israel’s counteroffensive has killed over 59,000 Palestinians, displaced millions, and created a worsening humanitarian crisis. International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, but Israel has pushed back, accusing critics of misunderstanding the conflict.