Israeli ground troops surround Gaza City amid heightened conflict with Hamas. US diplomat Antony Blinken arrives in Israel, focusing on minimizing Palestinian civilian casualties.
The Israeli military declares the completion of the encirclement, marking a new phase in the month-long conflict. Before Blinken’s arrival, fresh Israeli strikes are reported in Gaza, resulting in casualties.
The conflict escalates to urban and underground warfare as the situation becomes increasingly dire for civilians.
International concerns grow, with UN-mandated experts warning of the risk of genocide and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Despite global reactions and calls for a ceasefire, Israel and the US reject a blanket ceasefire, emphasizing the need for localized pauses for humanitarian efforts.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing evacuations and a looming speech from Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah expected to impact the region.
