For the first time, the Israeli army is advancing into the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip. Residents have been urged to flee. Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate end to the"barbarism of war."

Israel's army has reportedly expanded its operations in the city of Deir al-Balah in the center of the Gaza Strip. It continues to target terrorist organizations in the region and is now"expanding its activities to new areas," the army statement, which was also published in Arabic, said.

The military has not been deployed there yet. The Times of Israel reported that these were the first ground operations in the area since the beginning of the Gaza War.

An army spokesman called on residents of several southwestern neighborhoods of the city, including those sheltering in tents there, to flee. They should head to Al-Mawasi, the appeal said.

Multiple attacks in"humanitarian zone"

Al-Mawasi, in the southwest of the contested coastal strip, has been designated a"humanitarian zone" by Israel. However, the Israeli military has also carried out several attacks there in the past. According to military sources, these attacks have targeted facilities belonging to the terrorist organization Hamas, among others. This cannot be independently verified.

The families of the hostages abducted in October 2023 reacted with concern and horror to the army announcement."Can anyone promise us that this decision will not lead to the loss of our loved ones?" asked a statement from the Families' Forum. The vast majority of Israelis want an end to the war and an agreement that would allow for the release of the abductees.

The families of the abducted people therefore demanded:"Enough!" The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli army was avoiding ground operations in areas of the Gaza Strip where it suspected hostages were being held, so as not to endanger the people abducted from Israel.

Doctors report many deaths at distribution station

Meanwhile, in the northern Gaza Strip, doctors said at least 30 people were killed while distributing aid. Staff at Al-Shifa Hospital reported that the Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured by Israeli shelling. The people were waiting for UN aid trucks.

These details also cannot be independently verified. The Israeli military stated that it is investigating the report.

Deaths during distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip

Pope condemns Israel's actions

Pope Leo XIV sharply criticized Israel's conduct of the war. He called for an immediate end to the"barbarism of war." The Pope called on the international community to respect international humanitarian law, to work for the protection of civilians, and to ensure that the international prohibition of collective punishment is observed. The disproportionate use of force and the forcible displacement of populations must also be stopped.

During midday prayers at his holiday resort of Castel Gandolfo, he also said:"I feel deep pain over the attack by Israeli forces on the Catholic church in Gaza City." The shelling follows "many, continuous military attacks against the civilian population and against religious sites in Gaza."

Three people were killed in the Israeli attack on the church.