According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), over 613,000 people are currently seeking shelter in UN facilities across the Gaza Strip. These facilities are overwhelmed and filled well beyond their capacity, with most shelters unable to accommodate the large number of displaced individuals. In addition to the overcrowded shelters, the agency also reported that 41 UNRWA facilities have been damaged since the conflict began.

Hospitals in Gaza are now limited to treating emergency cases only, as there are concerns that fuel supplies will run out in the coming hours. The UN has also expressed alarm over the high number of casualties, with over 700 people reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes for two consecutive days. Israel has stated that its military operations are targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure and that it is responding to an unprecedented cross-border assault that resulted in casualties and the taking of hostages.

President Biden has expressed his support for Israel's right to defend itself but also emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to Gaza. He stated that Hamas does not represent the majority of Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire, the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the start of talks for the release of hostages. Turkish President Erdogan, on the other hand, referred to Hamas as a "liberation group" and criticized Israel's actions, calling for an end to the violence and the establishment of an international peace conference.

The Israeli air force has released a note allegedly carried by a Hamas fighter, which contained orders to kill Jews and encouraged the gruesome acts of beheading victims and extracting their hearts and livers. This comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel is in a fight for its existence and preparations are underway for a ground incursion into Gaza. He stated that "all Hamas members are dead men walking" and emphasized the goals of eliminating Hamas and bringing captured individuals home. Israel has reportedly drafted hundreds of thousands of soldiers for a potential ground operation.