Israel expands control in northern Gaza, airstrikes hit the south

Israeli forces have intensified their territorial advances in northern Gaza over the past 24 hours, while the southern region continues to endure air and artillery strikes. The expansion of Israel’s operational boundaries has particularly impacted the Gaza City districts of Tuffah, Shujaiya, and Zeitoun, causing severe displacement among local residents.

According to field reports from Al Jazeera, the forward line of Israeli control has now reached the vicinity of Salah al-Din Street, forcing many displaced families to flee their temporary shelters. Presently, Israeli forces control over 50 per cent of the Gaza Strip, significantly restricting areas available for civilian refuge.

Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States on 10 October, violations occur daily. Since the agreement came into effect, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,145 injured as a result of Israeli military operations. Al Jazeera reports that the primary objective behind the expansion of the so-called “Yellow Line” – the Israeli demarcation of occupied territory – is to seize additional eastern regions and reduce available safe zones for civilians. As a consequence, residents of Zeitoun, Shujaiya, and Tuffah remain unable to return to their homes, leading to a surge in population density in neighbouring areas, sometimes doubling or tripling the number of residents.

Furthermore, drone activity and explosive detonations have been reported throughout Monday, extending into the southern Gaza region, including Rafah and the northern and eastern outskirts of Khan Yunis. Helicopters and artillery units have conducted strikes in these areas, heightening civilian vulnerability.

Fatalities in Southern Gaza
In a separate incident in Khan Yunis on Sunday, at least three Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire. Among the deceased were a 15-year-old boy and a local fisherman, shot in areas no longer under Israeli control. Another individual was fatally wounded in the eastern part of the city, which falls under Israeli occupation. Israeli military officials have not immediately commented on these fatalities.

West Bank Arrests
In parallel operations across the West Bank on Monday, nearly 30 Palestinians were detained. Notably, journalist Inas Ikhlawi was arrested from her home in Idhna, west of Hebron, while 15-year-old Yazan al-Aloul was apprehended during a raid at the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem. According to local sources cited by Middle East Eye, over 25 individuals were detained from Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem, with additional arrests reported from Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tubas. Residents described the raids as intrusive and intimidating. Israeli forces routinely conduct such night-time operations throughout the West Bank.

Summary Table: Casualties and Arrests

The ongoing military activities in both Gaza and the West Bank underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. With over half of Gaza under Israeli control and civilian populations increasingly concentrated in limited areas, the situation remains tense and volatile.