Gaza Conflict Escalates as Israeli Forces Expand Ground Offensive and Death Toll Rises

Testimonies of sexual violence by Hamas emerge amid escalating violence, while the UN warns of an 'apocalyptic' situation and calls for a ceasefire.

Israeli forces have expanded their ground offensive in the south of the Gaza Strip, with the death toll crossing 15,500 and the Israeli military admitting that two civilians have died for every Hamas fighter killed.
Testimonies of sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7 attacks on Israel have been presented at a U.N. meeting, with accusations of rape and sexual mutilation, particularly against women.
Despite the escalating violence, Hamas has denied the accusations of sexual violence, dismissing them as 'unfounded lies'.
The United Nations has warned of an 'apocalyptic' situation in Gaza, with 'no place safe to go' for civilians, and has renewed calls for a ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has resumed after a hiatus prompted by the October 7 Hamas attack and the war it set off.