Israeli forces continued to intensify attacks on the southern Gaza Strip’s largest city and a central refugee camp, after the Hamas-run health ministry reported that more than 21,000 people had been killed in 11 weeks of war.
The continued airstrikes and expansion of operations in the south came after the World Health Organization warned that Gaza’s population was in “serious danger” and the French president called for a long-term ceasefire.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the attacks on the central Gaza refugee camp had entered a third day and that an additional brigade had been deployed in the southern city of Khan Yunis, which has recently been the focus of heavy urban fighting.
He also hinted at a possible “expansion of fighting in the north” along the Lebanese border, which has seen repeated exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants since the Gaza war broke out.
After visiting the border earlier in the day, army chief Herzi Halevi said the army had “approved plans for various contingencies and we must be ready to attack if necessary”, Fena news agency writes.
