(MENAFN) Israeli forces have continued their aerial bombardment of Gaza, focusing on areas like Jabalia in the north and Abasan al-Kabira in the south. This military escalation coincided with ongoing discussions between Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, in Cairo, Egypt. These groups are reportedly deliberating on a proposal to reopen the Rafah border crossing, which has been a critical issue for Gaza's access to humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, a senior Gaza health official accused the Israeli military of using weapons that are internationally banned, claiming that these weapons cause extreme destruction, such as vaporizing entire bodies.

The situation has become increasingly dire, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) halting cargo shipments through the Karem Abu Salem crossing in response to repeated Israeli strikes on aid convoys. These attacks have further exacerbated the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Since the onset of Israeli military operations on October 7, 2023, more than 44,429 Palestinians have been killed, and over 105,250 have been injured. In contrast, the Hamas assault on Israel that day resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 Israelis, with at least 200 individuals taken hostage.

The violence has also extended to Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of over 3,961 people and injured more than 16,520 since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza. The international community remains deeply concerned about the rising civilian casualties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding across the region.

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