GAZA STRIP – Fighting in Gaza escalated overnight as IDF forces struck targets in Jabalia and Khan Younis, with Arab media reporting at least seven fatalities, including several in southern Gaza’s Bani Suheila neighborhood. According to the Palestinian Shehab News Agency, five people were killed in strikes on Jabalia in northern Gaza. Additional reports claim at least one dead and multiple wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis, as well as artillery shelling near Bani Suheila in the southern sector.
Full Deployment of Regular Infantry and Armor Brigades
Over the weekend, the Paratroopers Brigade joined Division 98 in the heart of Khan Younis, completing the deployment of all regular infantry brigades in the Gaza Strip.
Key military deployments include armored divisions 252 and 143 which are operating in the north and south with Brigades 401 and 7, and the Golani brigade which is engaged in urban fighting in the Jenina neighborhood, and Rafah. Additionally, the Nahal brigade was redeployed from the West Bank to Gaza as part of Division 162’s preparations to expand ground operations.
Delays in New Humanitarian Aid Mechanism
A new U.S.-coordinated humanitarian aid distribution system—originally scheduled to launch this week—has been delayed due to logistical challenges, security sources said. The system includes four distribution hubs operated by private American firms, aimed at bypassing Hamas control. Until activated, Israel will continue aid deliveries via trucks under the current model. Over the past several days, more than 400 aid trucks have entered Gaza, though many have been looted by armed factions.
Widespread Looting of Humanitarian Supplies
On Saturday, at least 24 trucks carrying flour were looted within minutes while traveling along Gaza’s coastal road between Khan Younis and Rafah. Video footage shared online shows civilians fleeing with sacks of flour on their backs.
According to the IDF, six armed operatives who opened fire to block the aid from reaching the public were killed by Israeli forces escorting the convoy. Aid deliveries were temporarily slowed pending a reassessment.
