In a recent statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the resumption of hostilities between Israel, Hamas, and other armed Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip. Guterres called for Israeli forces to spare civilians from further suffering and to avoid actions that would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had ordered civilians to evacuate large areas of the Gaza Strip, particularly in the southern part, as it intensified its military offensive over the weekend. However, Guterres highlighted the lack of safe spaces available for evacuees in the region.

The situation in the occupied West Bank also raised alarm for Guterres. He condemned the escalating violence, including a high number of casualties and arrests, intensified Israeli security operations, settler violence, and attacks on Israelis by Palestinians.

Disturbing footage emerged from southern Gaza, showing scores of wounded individuals being transported from the rubble to hospitals throughout the day. In one video, a baby, appearing unconscious, was rushed into the Nasser Hospital, where doctors provided emergency care and connected the infant to an oxygen supply. Another scene depicted a child with a head injury, wrapped in a large yellow bandage, entering the same medical center. Many injured individuals, covered in dust, arrived at the emergency room in civilian cars, donkey-pulled carts, and ambulances.

Israel had been increasing its aerial bombardment in southern Gaza in recent days. On Sunday, the IDF announced the expansion of ground operations to encompass the entire Gaza Strip.

In light of the ongoing violence, the Israeli military launched an investigation into the failures that occurred on October 7. This investigation will include an assessment of the decision to relocate reinforcement troops from the Gaza border to the West Bank shortly before Hamas' attack. The move, consisting of over 100 combat troops, reportedly took place on October 5, coinciding with the Jewish High Holy Days.

The revelations regarding troop movements come after weeks of speculation in the Israeli media. Initially, the IDF had denied the reports, but the country's public broadcaster, Channel 11, confirmed the relocation.

The escalating hostilities between Israel, Hamas, and other Palestinian groups continue to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The international community, including the UN Secretary-General, calls for an immediate cessation of violence and the protection of civilians, urging all parties involved to prioritize peaceful dialogue and resolution.