Israel carries out airstrikes in Gaza, Syria, and the West Bank, raising concerns of a potential escalation of conflict beyond Hamas-controlled areas.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli warplanes struck targets across Gaza overnight and into Sunday, as well as two airports in Syria and a mosque in the occupied West Bank allegedly used by militants, as the 2-week-old war with Hamas threatened to spiral into a broader conflict.

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group have been engaging in frequent exchanges of gunfire since the start of the war. Additionally, tensions are escalating in the Israeli-controlled West Bank, where Israeli forces have been confronting militants in refugee camps and conducting two airstrikes in the past few days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned soldiers in northern Israel that if Hezbollah initiates a conflict with Israel, it will be a grave error on their part. He emphasized that Israel will respond with an overwhelming and unimaginable force, resulting in severe consequences for both Hezbollah and the Lebanese state.

Israel has appeared to be on the brink of commencing a land attack in Gaza in response to Hamas’ violent actions on October 7th. Tanks and a large number of soldiers have gathered at the border, and Israeli officials have mentioned an upcoming phase in their operations without providing specific details.

Egypt’s state-run media reported that on Sunday, a convoy of 17 aid trucks was permitted to enter Gaza from Egypt. This marks the second shipment to reach the territory since Israel implemented a total blockade two weeks ago. On Saturday, 20 trucks were able to enter. Journalists from the Associated Press witnessed the entry of seven fuel trucks into Gaza on Sunday, but no further deliveries were observed.

Relief workers expressed that a greater effort is required to tackle the escalating humanitarian emergency in Gaza, as half of the region’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced from their residences. The U.N. humanitarian agency, OCHA, stated that the convoy on Saturday transported approximately 4% of the usual daily imports prior to the conflict, which is only a small portion of what is necessary after enduring 13 days of a total blockade.

Israel has carried out airstrikes in Gaza, Syria, and the West Bank amidst escalating tensions with Hamas, potentially sparking conflicts in other areas.

The Israeli military claimed that they had the situation under control, while OCHA requested the entry of 100 trucks daily to address the humanitarian needs.

Israel has once again urged individuals to evacuate the northern region of Gaza, employing methods such as distributing leaflets from aircraft. They claim that approximately 700,000 individuals have already left, but there are still hundreds of thousands who have not. This situation increases the likelihood of significant harm to civilians if a ground attack were to occur.

Israeli military officials have stated that Hamas’ infrastructure and underground tunnel network are primarily located in Gaza City, specifically in the northern region. They have further mentioned that the upcoming phase of the offensive will involve employing an unprecedented level of force in this area. Israel’s objective is to dismantle Hamas completely, and there have been discussions about establishing a potential buffer zone to prevent Palestinians from approaching the border.

Hospitals are experiencing a shortage of medical supplies and fuel for generators, as they are overwhelmed with patients and displaced individuals. Consequently, doctors are compelled to conduct surgeries using sewing needles, disinfecting with vinegar, and without anesthesia due to the limited resources available.

The shortage of generator fuel has put around 130 premature babies at a significant risk, according to the World Health Organization. As a result of strikes, power and supply shortages, or Israeli evacuation orders, seven hospitals in northern Gaza have been compelled to close down.

Dr. Mohammed Qandeel, a healthcare professional at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, stated that the scarcity of essential resources such as ventilators has led to the need for doctors to ration treatment. Despite the continuous influx of numerous patients, they are being treated in overcrowded and poorly lit corridors, as hospitals prioritize electricity for their intensive care units.

“It is truly devastating,” Qandeel expressed to the AP. “On a daily basis, when we have 10 patients with severe injuries, we struggle to accommodate them with only three or five available ICU beds.”

Palestinians seeking refuge in schools and camps managed by the United Nations are facing shortages of food and are forced to consume contaminated water. The water and sanitation systems have been severely affected by a power outage. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an increase in cases of chickenpox, scabies, and diarrhea due to the scarcity of clean water.

Intense airstrikes were observed throughout Gaza, particularly in the southern region of the coastal strip, where Israeli authorities have advised civilians to find shelter. Outside the Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah, located south of the designated evacuation area, a number of deceased individuals were laid out on the ground, covered in white cloths.

Khalil al-Degran, a hospital official, said more than 90 bodies had been brought in since early Sunday, as the sound of nearby bombing echoed behind him. He said 180 wounded people had arrived, mostly children, women and the elderly who had been displaced from other areas.

The military of Israel has stated that it is attacking members and facilities of Hamas, while ensuring that civilians are not the intended targets. The military reports that Palestinian militants have launched more than 7,000 rockets towards Israel, and Hamas claims to have specifically aimed at Tel Aviv on Sunday morning.

The military intends to increase the frequency of airstrikes in preparation for the upcoming phases of the war, without providing further details.

Over 1,400 individuals in Israel have lost their lives in the conflict, primarily innocent civilians targeted in the initial Hamas assault. A minimum of 212 individuals, including men, women, children, and elderly individuals, were taken captive and transported back to Gaza. As a humanitarian act, Hamas released two American citizens on Friday.

According to the Health Ministry controlled by Hamas, the death toll in Gaza exceeds 4,300 people, which also accounts for the casualties in a hospital explosion that is subject to debate.

According to Syrian state media, the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo were targeted by Israeli airstrikes. These strikes resulted in the death of one individual and caused damage to the runways, rendering them unusable.

Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria, including on the airports, since the war began. Israel rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but says it acts to prevent Hezbollah and other militant groups from bringing in arms from their patron, Iran, which also supports Hamas.

Hezbollah reported that six of its fighters died on Saturday in Lebanon. Sheikh Naim Kassem, the group’s deputy leader, cautioned that Israel would face severe consequences if it initiates a ground attack in Gaza. In response to rocket attacks, Israel targeted Hezbollah sites on Sunday, as stated by the military.

Last week, Israel instructed the 20,000 residents of Kiryat Shmona to evacuate, and they have now announced evacuation plans for an additional 14 communities situated near the Lebanon border.

Since the Hamas attacks, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports that 90 Palestinians have lost their lives in confrontations with Israeli soldiers, arrest operations, and assaults by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, which is currently under Israeli control. In an effort to prevent further attacks, Israeli forces have implemented measures such as closing crossings and checkpoints between cities. Israel claims to have apprehended over 700 Palestinians, including 480 individuals believed to be affiliated with Hamas, since October 7th.

According to the Health Ministry, a minimum of five individuals were killed by Israeli forces on Sunday morning. Among them, two lost their lives in an airstrike targeting a mosque located in Jenin, a town that has witnessed intense gunfights in the past year.

The Israeli military claimed that the mosque compound was owned by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, who had conducted multiple attacks in the past few months and were plotting another one.

The Palestinian Authority, which is acknowledged worldwide, governs certain areas of the West Bank and collaborates with Israel in terms of security. However, it faces significant unpopularity and has been subjected to violent protests by Palestinians.