Gaza: The Israeli army announced that it has begun encircling the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Under the command of the 162nd Division, the Givati Brigade combat team has joined forces with the 99th Division to carry out operations in the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army stated that its efforts are focused on undermining Hamas' military capabilities and eliminating its fighters in Beit Hanoun. This escalation comes in the wake of a battle on Monday that resulted in the deaths of five Israeli soldiers, with 14 others injured.

Beit Hanoun, located on the northern border of the Gaza Strip, has experienced intense Israeli bombardment in recent months. The town has been heavily impacted, with large parts destroyed, leading to it being described as a "disaster zone."

The Israeli military presence in Gaza is substantial, with five divisions operating in the region, each comprising two or more brigades. This amounts to thousands of soldiers involved in the operation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Israeli army reportedly killing nearly 57,700 Palestinians, including a large number of women and children, since October 2023. The bombardment has also caused widespread destruction, leading to severe food shortages and a rise in disease.

Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.