Smoke and fire once again filled the skies over Gaza as intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance escalated on Sunday. Explosions rocked several parts of the Gaza Strip, causing heavy destruction and civilian casualties. In one of the boldest moves of the day, fighters from Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, destroyed an Israeli military bulldozer used for ground operations in Gaza.
The ongoing war, which began in October 2023, has now taken a tragic toll on Gaza’s civilian population. More than 56,412 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 133,540 have been wounded. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as bombardments destroy homes, markets, and vital infrastructure.
On Sunday, air and ground attacks increased across Gaza. Israeli forces carried out strikes in multiple areas, including air raids and artillery fire. One deadly attack hit a home in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, northeast of Gaza City. Medical sources at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital confirmed five civilians died in the strike, and several more were injured.
In another incident, a crowded market in the Al-Daraj area was attacked by an Israeli drone. Many civilians had gathered there to buy food. The drone strike caused multiple deaths and injuries among the crowd. Locals said people had come simply to find food for their families.
At the same time, heavy artillery shelling was reported in central Khan Younis. The bombardment caused more destruction and deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region. Rescue teams have struggled to reach those trapped under rubble, with thousands still missing or critically injured.
Despite the Israeli offensive, resistance has continued. In a major act of defiance, Al-Qassam fighters launched a Yasin-105 shell at a D9 armored bulldozer in Bani Suheila’s Al-Shahla area, east of Khan Younis. The bulldozer was completely destroyed. These vehicles are often used by Israeli forces to destroy buildings or clear paths during ground invasions.
The situation in Gaza has led to international outcry. The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire. The International Court of Justice has also urged Israel to prevent further civilian deaths and address the humanitarian crisis. Still, the fighting has not stopped.
Meanwhile, Israeli government and military leaders are expected to meet late Sunday to discuss the future of the Gaza military campaign. Reports suggest they will consider the possibility of a temporary truce. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is expected to take part in these discussions. According to local media, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi will give a detailed report on the current status of the operation.
Halevi is expected to brief the government on how much of Gaza remains under Hamas control and how much has been taken by Israeli forces. Sources say he may claim that most military objectives in Gaza have already been achieved.
As the war continues, the death toll rises, and the hope for peace seems distant. But despite constant attacks and deep suffering, Palestinian resistance fighters have not backed down. The destruction of the Israeli bulldozer stands as a symbol of that continued defiance.
The world watches as Gaza’s people endure another day of bloodshed. Calls for a lasting ceasefire grow louder, but the region remains gripped by violence, destruction, and human tragedy.