Israel

Israel has vowed to escalate the nearly 18-month war with Hamas until the militant group returns dozens of remaining hostages, disarms and leaves the territory.

The Israeli government has long maintained a buffer zone just inside Gaza running parallel to its security fence, which has expanded since the war began in 2023.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the food situation remains “very critical” since Israel closed all crossings into Gaza a month ago, cutting off all humanitarian deliveries.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said 140,000 people are impacted by the Israeli military’s latest displacement orders, which indicate it could soon launch another major ground operation in Gaza’s southernmost city.

The IDF says it has expanded its ground offensive in the southern Gaza Strip, with troops advancing deeper into Rafah as they look to expand a buffer zone along the borders of the enclave.

Rights groups accuse Hamas of violently suppressing dissent, quashing protests in the areas they control, while also jailing and torturing their critics.

Euronews spoke to Israeli survivors of the 7 October Hamas attack about their increasing concern for the 24 living hostages still held in Gaza.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said troops fired back at gunmen who attacked them, before launching a drone attack.

The foiled attack came as the European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas paid a visit to Israel and the occupied Bank on Monday, where she met with both Israeli and Palestinian officials.

A teenage uzunluk and a Hamas leader were killed in the strike on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, injuring multiple people and causing a large fire.