In a continued escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli army has announced that it has successfully encircled the Hamas stronghold of Gaza City. Israeli forces have been engaged in fierce ground battles since Friday evening, intensifying the already blistering air and ground assault.

According to military spokesman Daniel Hagari, Israeli soldiers have completed the encirclement of Gaza City, which is regarded as the center of the Hamas terror organization. This development comes after days of expanding ground operations in the besieged Palestinian territory.

As the conflict rages on, the calls for a ceasefire have been growing louder. However, Hagari dismissed any notion of a ceasefire, stating that "the concept of a ceasefire is not currently on the table at all."

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the encirclement of Gaza City amplifying concerns over the safety of civilians trapped within the densely populated area. The United Nations and other international bodies have repeatedly expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and called for an end to the violence.

Since the conflict began, both sides have reported heavy casualties. The exact numbers of casualties are yet to be determined, but it is evident that innocent civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting. The Palestinian death toll continues to mount, with reports of numerous homes and infrastructure being destroyed.

Meanwhile, Israel has faced criticism from several quarters for its use of disproportionate force and the impact it is having on the civilian population. The international community has been urging both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Amidst the airstrikes, ground operations, and encirclement of Gaza City, the conflict shows no signs of abating. As the situation remains fluid, the world watches with growing concern, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough that can bring an end to the violence and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population caught in the crossfire.