Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: IDF Says It's Preparing for 'Wide Range' Offensive
The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza escalated dramatically over the weekend, with both sides launching some of their heaviest attacks in years and no sign of easing tensions. Here are the latest developments:
- On Sunday, the Israeli military spokesman said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have "various offensive options" and are preparing to significantly expand the operation against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad groups in Gaza.
The spokesman, Brigadier-General Hidai Zilberman, told Israeli Army Radio that the military is "preparing the option of a wide-range offensive operation." He said the IDF wants to deliver a "hard blow" to Hamas and is preparing attacks against additional "significant targets."
- Overnight Saturday into Sunday, the IDF attacked buildings across Gaza including a multi-story tower housing Hamas military intelligence. Palestinian militants fired over 150 rockets into Israel overnight in response. At least three Israelis were killed by rocket attacks over the weekend, according to Israeli officials.
- The death toll in Gaza continues to climb as Israeli airstrikes target militant groups and infrastructure. Palestinian officials say at least 145 people, including 41 children, have been killed in Gaza so far. Israel says dozens of those killed were militants.
- Palestinian medical officials reported early Sunday that at least three babies and their mothers were among six people killed in an Israeli air strike on the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Saturday that attacks on Gaza would "continue with full force" and that Hamas will pay a "heavy price." He praised Israelis for their resilience and "national spirit" during the rocket attacks from Gaza.
- Tensions have been rising in recent weeks following clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in east Jerusalem. A major flashpoint was threatened evictions of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
- Hamas and other militant groups gave Israel an ultimatum to remove security forces from the mosque compound and Sheikh Jarrah by 6 p.m. on Monday. When Israel did not comply, Hamas began firing rockets, leading to the current conflict.
- The United States has affirmed Israel's right to defend itself from rocket attacks, but called for de-escalation on both sides and discouragement of actions that could lead to a broader conflict.
- The United Nations has expressed "deep concern" over the sharp escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the fighting could plunge the region into an "uncontainable" crisis.
- Egypt and the United Nations are attempting to broker a ceasefire but continued rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes appear to be undermining diplomatic efforts. Israel says it will not stop its operations until rocket fire stops.
- Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for an end to the violence and expressed his "sadness" over the deaths in Gaza, including of innocent children. He urged leaders on both sides to establish dialogue and not "drag the region into a spiral of death and destruction."
- Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted in several cities across the world including London, Paris, Berlin and Istanbul. In Israel, Arab-Israeli protests against the Gaza offensive turned violent over the weekend with rioters hurling rocks at police and torching vehicles.
- US officials have been engaged in contacts with Israeli and Palestinian officials and leaders from Egypt and other countries that have relationships with Hamas. President Biden expressed support for a ceasefire in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
There are fears the rapidly escalating conflict could lead to a prolonged Israeli-Hamas war with far-reaching consequences across the Middle East if a swift ceasefire is not reached. Israeli airstrikes and rocket fire from Gaza continued Monday despite international calls for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to curb the violence. The death toll is expected to rise further as both sides appear determined to press on with their military campaigns for now despite global alarm over the heavy civilian casualties. Developments Monday will help shape whether the crisis stabilizes or spirals further out of control.