In brief
Gunfire was reported early Saturday in the central Gaza Strip soon after the Israeli military announced its troop mobilization, indicating a possible large-scale advance into the territory.
Automatic gunfire resonated in Deir al Balah as Israel's military stated it was "mobilizing" for further actions in Gaza, heightening concerns among civilians. While the source of the gunfire remains undetermined, Israel has not confirmed whether any new military advance has begun. This eruption of gunfire follows a night of intense Israeli bombardment and coincides with efforts by international mediators, including the Trump administration, to negotiate a temporary truce.The longstanding war between Israel and Hamas has intensified since an attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 250 individuals. In contrast, over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in the Israeli military operations, as per reports from Palestinian health authorities.Despite significant casualties, the Israeli campaign has yet to conclusively defeat Hamas or secure the release of all hostages. A previously established cease-fire in January lasted just two months before collapsing in March. Recent Israeli airstrikes have intensified, claiming over 90 casualties on Friday alone.The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drastically deteriorated, with the United Nations warning that the region's two million residents are facing severe food shortages due to an Israeli blockade that commenced in early March. President Trump acknowledged the dire conditions, stating “many people are starving” in Gaza while highlighting U.S. efforts to alleviate the crisis.In a statement of defiance, Hamas has insisted that the release of the 58 remaining hostages is contingent on Israel ending the conflict and withdrawing from Gaza. Despite the loss of several top leaders in airstrikes, Hamas has managed to recruit new fighters, continuing the ongoing conflict, while recent strikes have targeted critical sites, including one near a hospital in Khan Younis aimed at killing key Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar.Aaron Boxerman reports from Jerusalem, while Patrick Kingsley oversees coverage as the Times’s Jerusalem bureau chief.
