Israel has expanded its ground military operations in Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties across various regions of the enclave.

An Israeli airstrike has also claimed the life of a senior Hamas leader in southern Lebanon, intensifying regional tensions that further spill over into the West Bank.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a new phase of ground operations in the northern part of Gaza City, particularly targeting the Shujaiya neighborhood.

This effort aims to establish a broader security zone within Palestinian territories.

Military officials stated that the operation seeks to enhance their control in the area and expand a defensive security perimeter.

According to IDF reports, the military action led to the neutralization of several militants and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including a command and control center utilized by Hamas for planning and directing its activities.

Witnesses have reported significant movements of Israeli tanks and military vehicles advancing into eastern Shujaiya, prompting civilian displacements towards central and western Gaza.

Images circulated on social media have depicted Israeli tanks positioned on Mount al-Muntar in Shujaiya, providing them a vantage point over Gaza City and extending to the coastline.

A local health official indicated that bombardments on Gaza's eastern front have remained relentless.

The civil defense authority reported at least 30 fatalities in Gaza since the morning attacks, noting that this figure may not represent the final count.

Additionally, medical sources at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed that 25 individuals were killed due to an Israeli strike in the southern city.

In a related incident, an Israeli airstrike targeted and killed Hasan Farhat, a prominent figure within Hamas, in the city of Sidon, southern Lebanon, the previous day.

The IDF characterized Farhat as instrumental in planning a missile attack on Safed last year.

Sources indicated that he was killed alongside his son and daughter in the strike.

The Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati’s office, denounced the airstrike as a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a clear breach of the ceasefire agreement, urging the international community to exert maximum pressure on Israel to cease ongoing assaults in residential areas.

Journalists on-site reported significant damage to a fourth-floor apartment where the airstrike occurred, with flames visible and destruction evident in surrounding buildings, commercial establishments, and nearby vehicles.

The strike has induced widespread alarm within Sidon’s local population.

In the West Bank, Israeli military engagements continue to escalate, with reports indicating that a Palestinian was killed by gunfire from Israeli forces after allegedly throwing stones at troops near Husan.

Local officials reported that the victim was a 17-year-old.

Additionally, the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the death of a man named Hussein Hardan, who was shot by Israeli forces in Jenin during early hours.