بحثاً عن الرهائن.. قوات الاحتلال تجتاح «دير البلح»

Israeli occupation tanks swept into the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip today (Monday) for the first time, searching for hostages held by Hamas. Israeli sources reported that the army believes some hostages are being held in Deir al-Balah. Paramedics in Gaza confirmed that at least 3 Palestinians were killed and others injured in tank shelling that targeted 8 homes and 3 mosques in the area.

The Israeli army launched its attack after issuing orders for residents to evacuate yesterday (Sunday), stating that it intends to combat Hamas militants. The incursion and shelling forced dozens of families, who were still in the area, to flee westward towards the coastal areas of Deir al-Balah and the nearby Khan Younis.

Paramedics reported that at least 5 people, including a family of a man, his wife, and their two children, were killed inside a tent in an airstrike carried out by Israel on Khan Younis today.

The occupation army stated that it had not entered the neighborhoods of Deir al-Balah from which evacuation orders were issued to residents, and that it continues to operate with significant force to destroy Hamas's capabilities in the area. Israeli sources attributed the reason for the army's continued presence outside the area to suspicions that Hamas may be holding hostages there. It is believed that at least 20 hostages out of 50 held in Gaza are still alive. Families of the hostages expressed their concern for their loved ones and requested clarification from the army on how they are being protected.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Water Authority announced that a group of its water wells in the eastern part of Ramallah, benefiting around 70,000 Palestinians, were disrupted after being attacked by Israeli settlers.

The authority described the attack as "an unprecedented development that led to a complete halt of pumping from the wells and water stations in the Ain Samiya area east of Kafr Malik."

It stated that its teams lost technical and administrative control over the entire water system in Ain Samiya due to a series of assaults that directly targeted electricity networks, pumping equipment, communication systems, and surveillance cameras. It added that the attack completely halted operations and disrupted water supply to dozens of Palestinian villages and towns in the northern and eastern parts of Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate.

The Palestinian Water Authority warned that if the situation continues as it is, it will lead to a humanitarian disaster threatening more than 70,000 citizens by depriving them of their basic right to water.

Last week, the authority presented photos during a press conference showing settlers attacking the same wells. Palestinian communities in the West Bank, including some major cities like Hebron, suffer from a shortage of water supplies for households.