Israeli military conducts fresh ground and air offensive in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians

The Israeli military initiated a fresh ground and air attack in central Gaza on Tuesday as part of their increased offensive amidst a worsening humanitarian situation.

The IDF stated on Tuesday afternoon that fighter jets were striking Hamas targets in the Bureij area simultaneously with ground forces conducting targeted operations with intelligence support in the same region.

CNN is unable to confirm the IDF's statement.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 15 individuals were killed and many others were injured in the Israeli operation. The casualties took place east of the Bureij and Al-Maghazi displacement camps. The local Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital was struggling to accommodate all the admissions.

A CNN producer in the area reported that more than 30 injured individuals and at least six bodies were taken to the hospital.

The deceased included a father and his 12-year-old son, who were tragically killed by an artillery shell striking an apartment building east of Al Bureij. Additionally, a boy and a girl lost their lives in the incident.

A woman in her 20s lost her life in the incident. The ministry expressed concern over the high number of patients, which exceeded the hospital's usual capacity. They emphasized the need to stop the aggression against civilians, especially women and children, as the hospital was struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.

The hospital was requested to be visited by the World Health Organization.

Residents in the Bureij area began to evacuate towards the coast as military operations increased.

Palestinians mourn relatives killed in an Israeli bombardment in the Bureij area of central Gaza on June 4, 2024.

Palestinians mourn relatives killed in an Israeli bombardment in the Bureij area of central Gaza on June 4, 2024.

A CNN producer recently witnessed tank-fire in central Gaza from the east-west Netzarim corridor created by the IDF. The tanks were moving towards neighborhoods south of Gaza city. The producer also mentioned a small ground incursion in these neighborhoods over the last three days.

The latest assault news comes as former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his views on the ongoing war with Hamas in an interview with CNN. Bennett suggested that Israel should intensify pressure on Hamas by continuing its operations in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah.

Bennett emphasized the need for quicker action, stating that the war has been dragging on for too long. He mentioned that the Israeli government's execution and the American administration's interventions have contributed to the slow and prolonged nature of the conflict.

He mentioned that Hamas desires to prolong the war, emphasizing the need to increase pressure on Hamas and intensify efforts in Rafah to achieve a ceasefire and negotiate a hostage deal. Operations in Rafah are still ongoing.

Bennett acknowledged that Israel is facing criticism from other nations for the humanitarian impact of the war. Despite striving to conduct a fair war, he expressed frustration with the international community's second-guessing of Israel's actions. Bennett emphasized the importance of prioritizing the defense of Israeli citizens above all else.

Israel started its military operation in Gaza on October 7 in response to Hamas, the group governing Gaza, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250 others.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 36,550 Palestinians and left another 82,959 people injured. Please note that CNN is unable to verify these numbers independently.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Khader Al-Za’anoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing