Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 65 Palestinians, according to medical sources. The majority of the casualties occurred in Gaza City, where Israel’s military actions have intensified in anticipation of a larger planned offensive. Among the victims, 12 civilians died when an Israeli airstrike hit a school in Sheikh Radwan, a Gaza City neighborhood. The school, where many Palestinians had sought shelter, was struck while they were in makeshift tents on the school grounds.
Additionally, another Palestinian was killed in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood, as confirmed by a medical source at al-Ahli Hospital. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza’s largest city would face total destruction unless Hamas complied with Israel’s demands for ending the war. Israel’s terms include the complete disarmament of Hamas and the release of captives. In response, Hamas has agreed to release captives in exchange for a ceasefire, but they reject disarmament without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a significant military operation to seize Gaza City is imminent, despite fears that such an assault could endanger the lives of hostages held by Hamas. The operation is seen as a means to achieve Israel’s objective of destroying Hamas while freeing captives.
The relentless attacks on Gaza City and surrounding areas have brought immense suffering. The attacks are not limited to Gaza City; the entire Gaza Strip is being subjected to relentless bombardment. In the southern city of Khan Younis, an Israeli drone strike killed one woman and four children in a makeshift tent. In northern Gaza, an airstrike on Jabalia al-Balad killed one Palestinian and injured several others. Among the deceased are also aid seekers, as Israeli forces targeted those attempting to access food and medical assistance. This comes amidst reports of a worsening humanitarian situation, with the UN declaring that famine has reached northern Gaza and is expected to spread across the region.
Since Israel’s new food aid distribution mechanism was introduced in May, an estimated 2,036 aid seekers have been killed. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as both the violence and hunger continue to escalate, with no corner of Gaza remaining untouched by the devastating effects of the conflict.
