Israeli Offensive Escalates in Southern Gaza, Defying Evacuation Orders and Cease-Fire

Israel intensified its offensive in southern Gaza, targeting crowded areas and issuing evacuation orders, resulting in a rising death toll despite calls from the United States and others to protect civilians. The truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed, and the prospects for further cease-fires appear bleak. The Israeli military claimed to have hit over 400 Hamas targets, while Palestinian militant groups fired rockets into southern Israel. The death toll in Gaza since the start of the war has surpassed 15,200, with 70% of the dead being women and children. The International Criminal Court prosecutor expressed seriousness in investigating allegations of war crimes on both sides. Israel published an online map and dropped leaflets with evacuation orders, causing panic and confusion among the population. The U.S. vice president assured that the United States would not permit forced relocation, ongoing siege, or redrawing of borders for Palestinians.