US President Joe Biden held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday amid the ongoing ground operation by the Israeli Defence Forces in northern Gaza. Despite expressing concern over the escalating casualty toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the US, as Israel's main ally, continues to offer support. Following the call, Biden clarified that he did not request a ceasefire, while Netanyahu affirmed Israel's commitment to the conflict until achieving all its goals.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported 201 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 20,258 since the start of the war, with a significant number being women and children. Israel also confirmed the death of five soldiers.
Key developments include the Israeli forces gaining operational control of northern Gaza and planning to expand the ground offensive to other areas, focusing on the south. The IDF struck areas in Lebanon in response to launches toward northern Israel, targeting sources of fire and a military command center belonging to Hezbollah.
The Israeli military announced the arrest of hundreds of alleged militants in Gaza, with over 200 transferred to Israel for further interrogation. The IDF characterized the mass roundups as part of its policy against individuals with ties to terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Hamas reported losing contact with a group responsible for Israeli hostages due to bombardment, while the Israeli military labeled the statement as "psychological terrorism." An Israeli airstrike in Nusseirat refugee camp killed three people, including a journalist from Hamas' Aqsa TV channel.
Additionally, an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle, causing a fire. An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander warned of the potential closure of the Mediterranean Sea if the US and its allies continued committing "crimes" in Gaza.
Israel's offensive has displaced nearly 85% of Gaza's population and caused significant destruction. A report indicated that more than half a million people in Gaza, constituting a quarter of the population, are facing starvation.
