Israeli military forces continued their heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, targeting areas in the south where Palestinians were instructed to seek safety. However, the airstrikes and difficult living conditions in the south have led many to return north, despite ongoing heavy bombing in that area. According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, the bombings have pushed some individuals to choose death in their own homes rather than face the conditions in the south.

In Gaza City, an explosion occurred at a Greek Orthodox church, resulting in casualties and injuries. The exact death toll is unknown as bodies remain under the debris. The church was housing over 500 people seeking refuge from the Israeli bombardment. This incident follows a previous explosion at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, where many Palestinians were also seeking shelter.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the restrictions preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Israel has cut off food, water, fuel, and electricity supplies since Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7th. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for aid to support the two million people suffering in Gaza.

The director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called for the opening of the Rafah crossing to prevent further suffering and deaths. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at an impending ground invasion by telling troops to be prepared to see the Palestinian enclave “from inside.”

The death toll of Israelis and Palestinians has exceeded 5,000, making this conflict the deadliest of the five wars involving the Gaza Strip. Despite the severity of the situation, the House of Representatives has not named a speaker, rendering the passage of a proposed aid package impossible.

Human Rights Watch accused Western countries, including the U.S. and Europe, of displaying double standards by failing to condemn Israel’s actions as war crimes. The agency highlighted the silence surrounding Israel’s intense bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in the destruction of city blocks and neighborhoods.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is Israel’s national military, consisting of the army, navy, and air force. IDF service is mandatory for Jewish, Druze, and Circassian citizens over the age of 18. Hamas, founded in 1987, is an Islamic resistance movement and was designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department. The group seized control of Gaza in 2007.

Overall, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing airstrikes, limited access to humanitarian aid, and a high death toll. The lack of international condemnation has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy against Western countries.