The War on Gaza Continues for the 696th Day Amid Heavy Displacement and Bombing

SadaNews - The war on Gaza entered its 696th consecutive day early Monday, amid intensified bombing and the demolition of homes in various regions of the Strip, especially in the city of Gaza, since October 7, 2023.

The Israeli occupation continues to carry out airstrikes on the Strip, targeting the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, in a blatant violation of international agreements that prohibit targeting medical facilities.

The occupation also executed extensive demolition operations of homes and residential facilities using explosive robots carrying around 5 tons of explosives, particularly in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in northwestern Gaza, the Zaitoun neighborhood in the southeast of the city, Jabalia, and the Al-Zarqa area.

Occupation forces continue to destroy entire residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of Gaza City, amid a wave of widespread displacement, while the Israeli army speaks of preliminary operations to occupy the city that is home to about one million Palestinians.

Israeli military vehicles also opened fire in the northern part of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, coinciding with air raids on the area.

In a related context, Israeli media reported a division within the cabinet regarding a partial deal for the release of hostages held by Palestinian factions.

Reports indicated that most ministers opposed the agreement, while Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for a vote against it.

For his part, the head of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that the deal would not be put to a vote as it was not included on the agenda, reflecting internal tensions within the Israeli government regarding the hostage issue amid increasing political and security pressures.

In American corridors, the administration of President Donald Trump is discussing a plan to rebuild the Strip after the war ends, according to a proposal he had made under the name "Middle East Riviera," to build what the plan describes on the ruins of the devastated Gaza.