100 Days of Conflict in Gaza: Intensified Struggle Continues

Israeli tanks and aircraft launched attacks in southern and central Gaza on Sunday, marking the 100th day since the Oct. 7 assault led by gunmen from the Islamist Hamas movement. Fierce gun battles ensued in various areas as the conflict continued.

Communication and internet services remained disrupted for the third consecutive day, complicating the efforts of emergency and ambulance crews aiding those affected by the fighting. The focus of the clashes included the southern city of Khan Younis, where Hamas claimed its fighters targeted an Israeli tank, as well as Al-Bureij and Al Maghazi in central Gaza, where the military reported the elimination of several militants.

The Israeli military also reported the destruction of rocket pits used by Hamas to launch missiles at Israel.

Over the past 24 hours, the Gaza health ministry reported 125 casualties and 265 injuries, bringing the total confirmed death toll to nearly 24,000, with over 60,000 wounded since the start of the conflict.

Speaking at a conference in Istanbul via video link, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh praised the Oct. 7 attack, acknowledging the group's fighters who engaged Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 1,200 casualties and approximately 240 hostages, according to Israeli counts.

Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas seeks freedom, attributing the attack in part to the prolonged Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip since 2007.

The Israeli military asserted a shift to a new phase of the war, concentrating on the southern end of the territory, where nearly 2 million people are sheltering in temporary accommodations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire, expressing the intention to continue until achieving complete victory over Hamas. The military outlined plans for targeted operations against the movement's leaders and military positions in the next phase.

On the northern border with Lebanon, the Israeli military reported killing four armed militants attempting to cross the border. Several anti-tank missiles were fired into northern Israel, one hitting a house in Kfar Yuval, resulting in casualties, including one fatality.

In Rafah, southern Gaza, a 17-year-old displaced student expressed the profound impact of the 100 days of war, calling for an end to the conflict and compensation for the psychological damage and hardships endured due to displacement.

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