Gaza City Shujaiya Endures Fourth Day of Heavy Battles and Bombardment

Heavy battles and relentless bombardment continue to devastate Gaza City's Shujaiya district for the fourth consecutive day, despite the Israeli army's earlier declaration of dismantling Hamas's command structure in the northern area. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled the area as the military engages in intense combat with Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, both above ground and in underground tunnels.

Over the past 24 hours, the military reported eliminating several terrorists, discovering weapons caches, and conducting targeted raids on booby-trapped combat compounds. Simultaneously, the air force has launched strikes on numerous infrastructure sites used by the operatives. Clashes have also been reported in central Gaza and the southern Rafah area, marking continued violence even after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at the approaching conclusion of the war, which began on October 7.

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Since renewed fighting erupted in Shujaiya on Thursday, the United Nations estimates that between 60,000 to 80,000 people have been displaced, following evacuation orders issued by the army. Despite sporadic talks aimed at a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with the progress, labeling recent proposals from US mediators as insufficient and aimed at prolonging Israeli aggression.

The conflict, initiated by Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October, has resulted in a significant death toll, with an AFP tally reporting 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, in Israel, and at least 37,877 deaths, predominantly civilians, in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, exacerbated by an Israeli blockade, leading to dire conditions including food shortages and lack of basic amenities for Gaza's 2.4 million residents.

In response to the ongoing conflict, thousands protested in Tel Aviv demanding more efforts for the release of remaining hostages and calling for early elections. Former hostage Noa Argamani, rescued in a special forces raid, urged continued efforts to bring back those still held by Hamas.

The conflict has also heightened tensions on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, where the military has exchanged fire with Hezbollah since October. Hezbollah, part of the Iran-backed "axis of resistance," has warned of a full-scale conflict should Israel launch an offensive. Iran, a supporter of Hamas, has denounced Israeli intentions for further military action, warning of potential regional escalation.