Armed Conflict Enters 11th Day... Gaza Strip Death Toll Rises to 230

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] On the 11th day of the armed conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas, on the 20th (local time), the Israeli military continued concentrated airstrikes on underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Despite international efforts to mediate a ceasefire, the clashes continued, raising the death toll in the Gaza Strip to 230 as of this day.

According to local media, the Israeli military announced in a briefing that it conducted airstrikes on underground tunnels throughout the Gaza Strip, Hamas command centers, and rocket launchers on the morning of this day. The Hamas command center targeted in the airstrike is responsible for overseeing combat operations. Additionally, the Hamas underground tunnels and rocket launchers are located in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military explained that the launchers were used to strike central Tel Aviv.

Hamas also continued rocket, anti-tank, and mortar attacks targeting Israel from the night before until the morning of this day. Hamas anti-tank shells hit an Israeli military personnel transport bus, but since no one was on the bus, there were no casualties.

The Gaza Strip health authorities announced that as of this day, the death toll reached 230, including 65 children. There were 1,710 injured. The number of deaths on the Israeli side was 12.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) is accelerating mediation efforts for a ceasefire between the two sides. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited Jerusalem, Israel, on this day to meet with the Israeli president, foreign minister, and defense minister. He plans to visit Ramallah, the provisional capital of Palestine in the West Bank, to meet with the Palestinian Authority prime minister. At this meeting, he intends to express concerns about the recent armed conflict and discuss ways to end it.

Earlier, on the 18th, France submitted a resolution to the United Nations Security Council urging a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. On the same day, foreign ministers of 26 EU member states, excluding Hungary, Israel's closest ally, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine after an emergency meeting.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.