Israel conducts raids on senior Hamas members' homes in northern Gaza: Top developments

Israel-Hamas war: In the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel has shifted its focus to the south of Gaza, marking what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as the "next stage" of the six-week-old war. Israeli paratroopers conducted raids on the homes of senior Hamas officials in northern Gaza, signaling an intensification of efforts against the militant group.

Netanyahu, in a press briefing, refrained from disclosing whether he believed top Hamas leaders were currently hiding in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. He expressed determination, stating, "We'll get to them," while describing the Hamas leadership as "dead men walking." As part of the military operations, Israel launched strikes against both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah across its northern border in Lebanon.

In response to the escalating violence, about 2,500 internally displaced persons, along with patients and staff, evacuated northern Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, which had been the focal point of Israel's ground offensive over the past week, according to a United Nations agency.

Israeli forces continued their operations at Al Shifa Hospital, where a World Health Organization team reported that 32 babies were among numerous patients stranded. At least 30 premature babies were evacuated from Gaza's main hospital on Sunday, with plans for their transfer to facilities in Egypt.

Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union, reported a loss of contact with groups assigned to guard hostages seized on October 7. Meanwhile, Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed optimism about progress in reaching an agreement between Israel and Hamas to release hostages. Al Thani, also serving as the foreign minister, noted that remaining challenges are "practical and logistical" and expressed confidence in sealing a deal.

- With inputs from agencies

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