At least seven Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed in an ambush in Gaza City, according to the Israeli media. The army met heavy resistance while carrying the offensive against Hamas in the densely-populated city of Gaza.

Despite the Biden Administration’s call to impose a ceasefire to the counter-offensive by Israel in retaliation to the October 7 attacks, Israel continues to carry out operations in Gaza. A large section of Gaza’s civilian population has been displaced since Israel entered Gaza. The air and ground offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 18,400 Palestinians and nearly 2.3 million people (85 per cent of Gaza’s population) are displaced.

Trouble for Civilians

The IDF ordered the citizens of North Gaza to flee to the South at the beginning of the war, the Southern Gaza has also come under aerial bombardments now. The healthcare system and humanitarian aid operations have collapsed because of the fighting between the sides.

Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames the high toll on Hamas because it conceals fighters, tunnels and weapons in residential areas.

Ceasefire

Israel and the USA agree that any cease-fire leaving the administration with Gaza would mean victory for the militant group. Gaza has been under the administration of Hamas since 2007. The militant group manifests to destroy Israel.