As of July 21, the Gaza-Israel conflict remains in an intense and volatile phase, as Israeli ground forces advance further into Gaza and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue to falter. Meanwhile, cross-border tensions with Syria have eased somewhat with the announcement of a ceasefire, although the situation remains fluid.

Gaza-Israel conflict

Syria

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded their operations into central Gaza, launching a ground incursion into Dir al-Balah over the weekend. This marks the first time Israeli troops have entered this part of the territory, which military officials describe as one of the last remaining Hamas strongholds. The IDF directed a large-scale evacuation of civilians from the area, instructing residents to move south toward the Al-Mawasi coastal zone. According to an IDF spokesperson, the operation aims to “dismantle Hamas’ remaining military infrastructure” in the region. Officials say they now control approximately 75% of Gaza.

Israel Defense Forces

Hamas

As the campaign intensified, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted 90 sites identified as Hamas-related infrastructure, including tunnel shafts and militant positions. Witnesses on the ground described widespread destruction, though precise details remain difficult to confirm independently due to access restrictions.

Hamas

Simultaneously, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. On July 20, an incident in northern Gaza drew international attention when dozens of Palestinians were killed while waiting for food aid. The local health ministry, operated by Hamas, reported 70 people dead and more than 150 injured. The IDF stated that troops opened fire in response to what it called an “imminent threat” near the aid distribution site. The circumstances remain unclear, and neither account could be independently verified.

Hamas

The humanitarian toll from nearly ten months of conflict is staggering. According to figures from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, at least 58,573 Palestinians have been killed since hostilities erupted on October 7, 2023. Aid organizations warn that the number could rise significantly if assistance does not reach vulnerable populations. The United Nations World Food Programme recently raised alarm over the sharp increase in malnutrition among children and women in Gaza, estimating that about 90,000 people require immediate nutritional support.

World Food Programme

In a separate development, Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire after roughly a week of border clashes that reportedly left around 940 people dead in Syria. Fighting had flared near Suwayda and Damascus, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian government forces and militant groups in response to what the Israeli government called threats against Jewish communities and cross-border attacks. As of now, the ceasefire appears to be holding, though Israeli officials have not ruled out the possibility of further action if security conditions deteriorate.

Israel

Syria

Damascus

Diplomatic initiatives appear to be losing momentum. Talks aimed at securing a new hostage exchange deal, mediated in Doha, have reportedly stalled. Despite pressure from international actors to de-escalate the situation, particularly following the food aid incident, there has been little sign of a breakthrough.

Doha

As ground operations push deeper into Gaza and tensions simmer along Israel’s northern frontier, the conflict shows few signs of resolution. Both military and humanitarian concerns continue to dominate the landscape, underscoring the complex challenges of a war that has now entered its tenth month.

Israel