On Friday, May 17th, the Israeli military engaged in intense fighting with Hamas militants in the narrow alleys of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, in the southern region, militants attacked tanks assembled around Rafah.
Residents reported that Israeli armored forces had advanced to the market in the center of Jabalia, the largest of the eight long-standing refugee camps in Gaza.
Israel had previously claimed to have cleared out militants in Jabalia, but last week they announced that their forces would return to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.
The Israeli military told Agence France-Presse that the clashes in Jabalia could be the “most intense” since the start of the Gaza conflict over seven months ago.
Israeli forces stated that in recent offensives, they have killed over 60 militants in Jabalia and uncovered a weapons cache.
In Rafah along the border with Egypt, thick smoke filled the air as Israel’s escalating attacks have forced tens of thousands to flee.
As the fighting in Gaza continues, the U.S. military announced that trucks have begun delivering aid supplies from a floating dock for the first time in weeks, reaching Gaza by sea.
The United Nations World Food Programme reported that aid supplies have been transported to warehouses in the central Gaza city of Deir Al-Balah and notified partners to prepare for distribution, with food, water, shelter, and medical supplies expected to arrive soon.
The US Central Command stated that around 500 tons of supplies will be sent to Gaza through this port in the coming days.
The White House announced that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel on Sunday, May 19th, where he will emphasize the need for targeted strikes against Hamas rather than a full-scale assault on Rafah.