As renewed hostilities enter a third day in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military has redirected its offensive efforts to southern Gaza. The move comes after a ceasefire between the two parties collapsed on Friday, leading to a resumption of violence in the region.

The Israeli military has announced its focus on targeting Hamas command centers, weapons storage facilities, and naval forces in the southern part of Gaza. This shift underscores the volatile situation on the ground as both sides engage in intense military operations.

In response to the escalating conflict, the United States Defense Secretary has reiterated Israel's right to defend itself. However, he emphasized a "moral responsibility" to protect civilians, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The comments reflect the delicate balance in addressing security concerns while minimizing harm to non-combatants.

US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concern over the human toll of the conflict, stating that too many Palestinians have already been killed, leading to what she described as "devastating" human suffering. The international community closely monitors the evolving situation, urging restraint and diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.

Residents of Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza, reported experiencing the heaviest bombardment since the onset of the conflict. The increased intensity of the attacks further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The conflict traces back to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives and the taking of approximately 240 individuals hostage. In the subsequent Israeli retaliatory campaign, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports over 15,000 casualties, including about 6,000 children.

As the situation continues to unfold, international calls for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic dialogue intensify. The repercussions of the conflict extend beyond the immediate military engagements, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to bring an end to the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.