DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. Israeli troops clashed with Hamas militants in northern Gaza, focusing on underground facilities, while around 800,000 Palestinians sought refuge to the south amid relentless Israeli airstrikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, inspired by the successful rescue of a captive held by Hamas, rejected cease-fire calls and vowed to dismantle Hamas’ rule in Gaza following a violent October 7 attack.
Over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, taking shelter in crowded U.N. schools and hospitals. UNRWA reports nearly 672,000 Palestinians in its facilities, far beyond capacity, and its staff has suffered 64 casualties.
The conflict threatens broader violence in the region, with Israel and Hezbollah trading fire on the Lebanon border, and Israel and the U.S. targeting Iran-linked sites in Syria. The military reported intercepting drones and missiles near its borders.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the vacant home of a senior Hamas official.
Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus highlighted efforts to target Hamas infrastructure, but casualties are rising as fighting enters residential areas.
Netanyahu rejected a cease-fire, emphasizing that such calls amount to surrender to Hamas. He has reiterated his commitment to neutralize Hamas’ capacity to govern Gaza and to eliminate any threat to Israel, following the violent episode on October 7 that triggered the conflict.
The conflict has taken a severe toll, with over 8,500 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis killed. Special forces successfully rescued one captive, while Hamas released four hostages.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with damaged hospitals and scarce supplies. Israel has allowed some aid to enter, but it remains inadequate.
Israel reported reopening water lines, but challenges persist.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
