The Hundredth Day of War in Gaza; Clashes Continue

Israeli tanks and aircraft attacked targets in southern and central Gaza Strip on Sunday. This marks the hundredth day of the war, which began after an armed attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7. According to Reuters, armed clashes continue intensely in some areas of Gaza. Communication and internet services have been cut off for the third consecutive day, complicating the efforts of rescue teams and ambulances to assist people in conflict-affected areas. The fighting is concentrated in the southern city of Khan Younis. Hamas claimed its forces destroyed one tank there and two tanks in two areas in central Gaza. The Israeli army reported that several militants were killed in central Gaza. The Israeli army also stated that its forces destroyed several pits used by Hamas to launch rockets at Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported that in the past 24 hours, 125 people were killed and 265 injured, bringing the total number of fatalities since the beginning of the war to approximately 24,000 and the number of injured to over 60,000. Gaza officials do not differentiate between militant and civilian casualties. Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, participated via video in a conference in Istanbul, praising the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on southern Israel. According to Israeli statistics, over 1,200 people were killed in that attack, and about 240 were taken hostage and brought to Gaza. Haniyeh stated at the Istanbul conference, 'We are not seeking war. We are seeking freedom.' Hamas calls for the destruction of Israel. Haniyeh mentioned that the October 7 attack was partly a response to Israel's long-standing blockade of the Gaza Strip, which Hamas has controlled since 2007. Before the Hamas attack on October 7, many Palestinians from Gaza used to enter Israel daily for work. The Israeli army claims it is focused on the southern end of Gaza, where nearly 2 million people are currently sheltering in tents and other temporary accommodations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire, stating that the war will continue until Israel achieves complete victory over Hamas. The Israeli army indicated that the next phase of the war will witness a more targeted military campaign against Hamas leaders and military positions. The Pope has once again called for an end to the war in Ukraine and Gaza. Thousands of Israelis protested against Netanyahu, calling for a change in government.