Israeli Forces Launch Air and Ground Operations in Deir al-Balah, Gaza

Israeli forces have intensified air and ground operations in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, targeting an area that has served as a main hub for humanitarian aid in the region. The escalation follows evacuation orders affecting between 50,000 and 80,000 residents, with the United Nations reporting that nearly 88% of Gaza is now under evacuation or militarised zone orders, leaving the majority of the population confined to a small portion of the territory.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) highlighted the critical role of Deir al-Balah, noting that essential infrastructure such as warehouses, health clinics, and a desalination plant are located there. Ocha warned that damage to these facilities could have life-threatening consequences for civilians. The agency also reported that its local head in Gaza has remained in Deir al-Balah despite the intensified military activity.

The World Food Programme (WFP) expressed alarm over the humanitarian situation, stating that dozens of Palestinians were killed while waiting for food aid near the border fence. According to the WFP, the crowd came under fire from Israeli tanks and snipers as a convoy of food trucks approached. The agency described the hunger crisis as reaching "new levels of desperation," with malnutrition surging and many residents not eating for days.

Israel's military acknowledged firing warning shots during the incident but disputed the reported casualty figures, stating it does not intentionally target humanitarian aid convoys. The military said it is operating to destroy enemy capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area, and has not entered the districts subject to the latest evacuation orders.

Medical staff in Deir al-Balah reported that at least 19 people, including children, have died from hunger in the past 24 hours, with hospitals unable to provide food or baby formula due to shortages. The ongoing conflict has raised international concern about the impact on Gaza's civilian population and the delivery of essential aid.

Separately, a security official from Yemen's Houthi group said that an Israeli strike destroyed a rebuilt dock at Hodeidah port on Monday, further complicating regional tensions.