In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces have launched their first major ground and air assault on the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah. Israeli tanks have advanced into areas previously spared from heavy fighting, prompting urgent evacuations and raising alarms among families of hostages believed to be in the vicinity. Health officials warn of potential mass casualties, with a humanitarian crisis deepening as starvation affects thousands. As evacuation orders impact tens of thousands of residents, reports indicate at least 49 fatalities have occurred amidst the intensifying military action. The international community continues to express concern over worsening living conditions and the risks posed to civilians amid the rapidly expanding offensive.