Israeli army claims to have completely encircled Gaza City, the Hamas stronghold, as its assault on the Gaza Strip continues, according to BBC News. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that its soldiers are engaged in close-quarters combat with Hamas fighters who are carrying out hit-and-run attacks from tunnels.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the situation, stating that four of its schools being used as shelters have been damaged. The UN further warned that water shortages in the region are worsening. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that over 9,000 Palestinians have been killed.

In less than 24 hours, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that four of its schools being used as shelters have been damaged. At least 20 people were reportedly killed at a school in the Jabalia refugee camp, while a child was also reportedly killed at a school-turned-shelter in the Beach refugee camp.

Videos verified by the BBC show the aftermath of the attacks on these schools. The footage recorded at an elementary school in the Jabalia refugee camp reveals a grim scene outside the main gate and in the main courtyard, with numerous dead and injured individuals, including men, women, and children. Another video from the main courtyard of a primary school in the Beach refugee camp shows smoke rising from behind the main building, causing panic among the crowd as explosions can be heard.

Hamas authorities in Gaza have blamed Israeli air strikes for the attacks on the schools, while the IDF has not commented on the matter. Meanwhile, UN-appointed experts have called for a humanitarian ceasefire, stating that the Palestinian people in Gaza are at a "grave risk of genocide."

The Israeli mission to the UN in Geneva denounced these comments, placing the blame on Hamas for civilian deaths. The IDF has reported killing approximately 130 Hamas fighters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that troops are currently at the "height of battle" and that they have achieved impressive successes, advancing beyond the outskirts of Gaza City.

In a separate development, the Lebanese movement Hezbollah claimed to have simultaneously attacked 19 targets in Israel, marking their most intense assault to date. In response, the Israeli military has launched strikes on a series of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The situation remains dire for the people of Gaza, with reports indicating that more than 20,000 wounded individuals are still trapped in the territory, despite some foreign nationals being able to leave through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has escalated, leading to further casualties and widespread concern.