Israel Sends Tanks To Deir Al-Balah Gaza, Makes Family Worried

JAKARTA - Israeli tanks entered the southern and eastern regions of Deir Al-Balah in Gaza for the first time on Monday.

Deir Al-Balah became an area where Israeli sources said the military believed some of the remaining hostages might still be held.

Gaza medics said three Palestinians were killed and several others injured in a tank shooting that hit eight houses and three mosques in the region, a day after the military ordered residents to leave, citing planning to fight Hamas militants.

The attacks and bombings prompted dozens of remaining families to evacuate and head west to the coastal areas of Deir Al-Balah and nearby Khan Younis.

In Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes killed five people, including a man, his wife, and their two children, in a tent, medics said.

There has been no immediate comment from Israel regarding the Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis incidents.

Reported by Reuters on Monday, July 21, the Israeli military said they did not enter the Deir Al-Balah district which was under evacuation orders during the current conflict.

Israel claims to operate with great power to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the region.

Israeli sources said the reason the army has not participated so far is because they suspect Hamas may be holding hostage there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be alive.

The hostages' families expressed their concern for their relatives and demanded an explanation from the army of how they would protect them.