In the midst of the ongoing conflict, Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, a group monitoring internet outages, highlighted the challenges on the ground, stating, "to events on the ground," in an interview with The Associated Press.
Saturday saw mourners gathering for the funeral prayers of Samer Abu Daqqa, a Palestinian journalist working with Al Jazeera, who lost his life in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that Daqqa became the 64th journalist to be killed since the conflict's eruption, with 57 Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese among the casualties.
The war's impact on northern Gaza has been devastating, with 85 percent of the territory's 2.3 million population displaced from their homes. Shelters, primarily in the south, are struggling to accommodate those affected, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. Challenges persist in aid delivery, with limited access and distribution hampered by ongoing fighting.
Reports from northern Gaza describe heavy bombing and gunbattles, particularly in Gaza City and the Jabaliya urban refugee camp. Residents recount violent bombardments, with continuous sounds of explosions and gunfire adding to the harrowing situation.
Overnight, airstrikes and tank shelling intensified in Khan Younis and Rafah, as witnessed by an Associated Press journalist in southern Gaza.
Internationally, the United States, Israel's closest ally, has expressed concerns regarding civilian casualties and Gaza's future. Despite unease, the White House continues to provide support through weapons shipments and diplomatic backing. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is anticipated to visit Israel soon to discuss plans for winding down the intense combat phase.
Efforts to address the humanitarian crisis include the U.S. urging Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, with plans to open a second entry point for expedited deliveries.
As events unfold, our team on the ground will continue to bring you the latest updates. Stay tuned for further developments.