Following Israel’s formal parliamentary dissolution and announcement of October 27 elections, the country intensified military operations across Gaza and the occupied West Bank during the week of July 13-20, according to reports from the UN human rights office and Palestinian news agencies.
In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes resulting in significant civilian casualties. A drone attack on July 17 struck a funeral procession outside Ahmad Yassin Mosque in Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least eight mourners. Additional strikes throughout the week targeted residential areas, including attacks on July 15 in Deir el-Balah that killed a family of four, a July 18 warplane strike on Gaza City’s Nassr neighbourhood that killed five members of another family, and a July 21 overnight attack that killed five people in Gaza City. Israel’s Defence Minister stated satisfaction with destruction resulting from deliberate policy and indicated study of establishing three military-style settlement outposts in northern Gaza. A settler movement march to the Gaza border, attended by multiple ministers and endorsed by the Prime Minister’s party, called for re-establishment of settlements in Gaza.
Humanitarian conditions deteriorated significantly, with 63 percent of households accessing less than six litres of drinking water daily and 60 percent living within 10 metres of exposed sewage, according to UN reports. Livestock feed import blockades have persisted for over a month, threatening animal populations.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli authorities approved approximately 2.375 billion shekels in funding for 34 new settlements and related infrastructure. Demolition and land-seizure orders accelerated, with particular focus on water infrastructure in the northern Jordan Valley and lands designated for settlement roads. Multiple towns experienced military sealing and nightly raids, while settler attacks on Palestinian communities continued with limited accountability.
On July 20, Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya as political bureau head, ending nearly two years of collective leadership. Israel’s outgoing coalition passed legislation including media control measures and conscription exemptions before dissolution.
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