Israel-Gaza War
50 Palestinians killed in latest Israeli strikes in Gaza
The Israeli military said both strikes had targeted members of Palestinian armed groups.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In a series of devastating airstrikes, Israeli forces have reportedly killed more than 50 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including in areas designated as safe zones. This latest escalation marks one of the deadliest days since the conflict reignited earlier this year.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the overnight strikes into Tuesday targeted central and southern regions of Gaza, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Among the dead were nearly two dozen individuals who had sought refuge in a United Nations-run school, which had been designated as a safe zone. The strikes have left the already beleaguered healthcare system overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to manage the influx of injured civilians.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes were aimed at "terrorist sites" associated with Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza. They emphasized that the operations were part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hamas' infrastructure and leadership. However, the high number of civilian casualties has drawn sharp criticism from international observers and humanitarian organizations.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes, describing the destruction as "incomprehensible and inexcusable." He reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the violence. "The scenes of devastation and the loss of innocent lives are beyond understanding and unjustifiable," Guterres stated.
The conflict, which reignited following a Hamas attack on October 7, has seen a significant escalation in violence. The initial attack involved militants infiltrating southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties, including civilians. In response, Israel has launched a series of military operations in Gaza, including ground incursions and airstrikes, which have led to a substantial death toll among Palestinians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, compounded by Israeli restrictions and internal unrest. The densely populated enclave, home to 2.3 million people, is facing severe shortages of food and essential supplies. The United Nations has warned of the risk of famine, with many residents living in overcrowded tent camps.
Despite international pressure, efforts to deliver humanitarian aid have been hindered. Far-right groups in Israel, supported by tax-deductible donations from the United States and Israel, have reportedly obstructed aid deliveries. This has exacerbated the dire conditions in Gaza, where the destruction of civilian infrastructure and UN facilities has further complicated relief efforts.
The recent Israeli strikes have also intensified the already strained negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a hardline stance, focusing on targeting Hamas leaders to force concessions. The fate of Mohammed Deif, Hamas' military chief, remains uncertain following an Israeli strike, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.
In a separate but related development, Yemen's Houthi rebels have carried out attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea. The United States Central Command confirmed that Houthi forces attacked the Panama-flagged MT Bently I and the Liberian-flagged MT Chios Lion off the coast of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The Houthis claimed these attacks were in support of Hamas, though the targeted ships had tenuous or no connections to the ongoing conflict. All crew members were reported safe following the incidents.
As the violence continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN and various humanitarian organizations have called for an immediate end to the hostilities and for both sides to demonstrate the political will necessary to reach a peaceful resolution. The ongoing conflict has not only caused immense suffering but also threatens to destabilize the broader region, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable and just peace.
The situation in Gaza remains fluid, with both sides bracing for further developments. For the residents of Gaza, the hope for a return to normalcy seems increasingly distant as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
