Gaza: Israeli forces have escalated their offensive in Gaza, deploying remote-controlled vehicles packed with explosives to demolish entire neighborhoods in the heart of besieged Gaza City. The assault follows what the Israeli military described as a “last chance” evacuation warning issued to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians trapped in the densely populated enclave.

Eyewitnesses report massive explosions flattening residential blocks, as rescue teams struggle to reach victims buried beneath rubble. With the communications infrastructure badly damaged, humanitarian coordination remains minimal.

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise at an alarming rate. As of Thursday morning, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least 66,225 people killed and 168,938 wounded since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023. Thousands more are feared dead beneath collapsed buildings.

In a coordinated naval operation, Israeli commandos intercepted the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla — an international civilian-led mission aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The interception occurred in international waters, drawing sharp condemnation from flotilla organizers and several human rights groups.

Mass protests in support of Gaza and the flotilla have erupted in cities across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America, with demonstrators demanding an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.