Israeli tanks enter Deir al-Balah: A new phase in the Gaza conflict
By zoeysky // 2025-07-23
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  • On July 21, Israeli tanks entered the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah in Gaza, marking the first ground offensive in this area since the war began in October 2023. This move is driven by the belief that hostages may be held in these districts by Hamas.
  • Deir al-Balah, already strained by the displacement of hundreds of Palestinians, has become a focal point of the conflict. The Israeli military's evacuation order has forced thousands to flee, worsening the humanitarian situation. The incursion has led to casualties, with at least three Palestinians killed and several wounded, as well as damage to critical infrastructure like houses and mosques.
  • The WHO reported attacks on its facilities in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the detention of staff members and their families.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 wounded in the past 24 hours, one of the highest death tolls in recent weeks. The crisis is compounded by a growing hunger crisis, with at least 19 people dying from starvation.
  • The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire as the situation deteriorates. Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. backing, are ongoing, but the escalating violence poses significant challenges.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli tanks rolled into the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah in Gaza on Monday, July 21. The move marks the first time such a ground offensive has targeted this area since the war began in October 2023. It comes as Israeli military officials believe that hostages, potentially still alive, may be held captive in these districts by the militant group Hamas. Deir al-Balah, a city already overwhelmed by the displacement of hundreds of Palestinians due to the 21-month conflict, has become a focal point of the Israeli military campaign. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an evacuation order for residents, citing the need to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. However, this order has forced thousands of civilians to flee west towards the Mediterranean coast and south to Khan Younis, The incursion has resulted in heavy tank shelling, with local medics reporting that at least three Palestinians have been killed and several others wounded. The violence has not spared critical infrastructure, as houses and mosques have been targeted.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

The United Nations has expressed grave concern, as two of its guesthouses in Deir al-Balah were struck despite the organization having informed parties of their locations. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the inviolability of UN premises and called for their protection, regardless of evacuation orders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported that its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah were attacked, resulting in the detention of two staff members and their family members. While three were later released, one staff member remains in custody. This incident underscores the increasingly perilous environment for humanitarian workers attempting to provide aid in the region. (Related: Israeli strikes kill 88 Palestinians in 24 hours as Gaza faces catastrophic hunger crisis.) The situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 wounded in the past 24 hours alone. This is further compounded by a growing hunger crisis, with at least 19 people dying from starvation, according to the ministry.

International response and calls for a ceasefire

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with growing calls for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his dismay at the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where "the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing." He has also urged Israel to allow and facilitate humanitarian relief efforts by the UN and other organizations. Health officials warn that hospitals are running out of essential supplies – including fuel, food aid and medicine – which could lead to a halt in vital operations. The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. In response, the Israeli military campaign has killed over 59,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displacing nearly the entire population and causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The recent attacks in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 65 Palestinians, including 11 aid seekers, have further complicated efforts to secure a ceasefire. Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. backing, are underway, but the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis pose significant challenges. The IDF's incursion into Deir al-Balah marks a critical juncture in the Gaza conflict. As the situation grows more complex and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community must intensify its efforts to bring about a ceasefire and address the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. Watch this shocking clip of the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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