The Israeli army reaches the center of the second largest city in the Gaza Strip National newspaper

Israeli Major Yaron Finkelman stated that this Tuesday (5) was the most intense day of fighting since the start of the ground incursion into Gaza in October. The army published photos of attacks on Hamas infrastructure, including the tunnel entrance and command centers.

The Hamas Ministry of Health said that more than 40 people died in Khan Yunis on Tuesday alone, and that dozens remained under the rubble or in the streets. Israel announced on Tuesday (5) that it had surrounded the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, and that the area was being used as a base for the Hamas movement.

The head of the US Department of Humanitarian Aid visited Egypt on Tuesday (5), near the border with the Gaza Strip. Samantha Power brought food and medical equipment to the Palestinians and announced that the US government would contribute an additional $21 million in aid to civilians in Gaza, in addition to the $100 million promised by Joe Biden when he was in Tel Aviv. This new aid will go to hygiene supplies and shelters as they suffer from shortages of water and other basic items.

Gazans have been waiting in line for hours to get water from the only desalination plant in Rafah.

One of the engineers said: “The biggest problem we face now is obtaining the fuel necessary to continue operating the station.”

A US State Department spokesman said on Tuesday (5) that Israel is not doing enough to allow fuel and aid into Gaza, and must intensify efforts.

In Israel, a missile from Gaza hit a building in the city of Ashkelon. Two women were slightly injured. The Israeli army also attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

The head of the International Red Cross visits Gaza. Mirjana Spoljaric called for the protection of civilians.

She added: “I urge the parties concerned to find non-military solutions to the enormous suffering suffered by people on both sides of the conflict.”